Netflix users could have to pay BBC licence fee every year as charge could become law

Major plans are being thought up at the BBC that could see Netflix subscribers forced to pay the TV Licence.

Currently costing £169.50 for a year's coverage, the BBC TV Licence is paid by tens of millions of households across the United Kingdom with the money from the fee going towards funding the BBC, from its radio and television channels to the BBC News website.

It is not the law to pay the TV Licence - which is increasing to £174.50 in April 2025 - unless you watch live television, or streaming in general, in your household. You also need it to watch content on-demand via the iPlayer.

Netflix and the TV Licence

Now, under new plans mooted by the Government, there is a possibility that the TV Licence will become a legal requirement for anyone in the UK with a Netflix subscription.

News outlet Bloomberg said the controversial plan has been discussed by the Prime Minister’s office.

The Treasury and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport were also said to have made the plan part of their discussions about how to fund the BBC.

Such a move would come as Netflix has started to invest heavily in live events. From live boxing with Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson to live NFL games and a Beyonce concert shown on Christmas Day, the streaming giant is looking to make live events a mainstay in its future.

Currently, you need a TV Licence to watch any of these live events as they are aired. The same goes for any live events on any subscription service, such as Amazon Prime Video and its Premier League games.

You need a TV Licence to watch any content on the BBC iPlayer (Carl Court/Getty Images)

Is it happening for certain?

Absolutely not, with the DCMS saying the Netflix proposal was not being 'actively considered' - but not totally ruled out.

As it stands, the BBC Charter ends at the end of 2027, with work under way to set out how the BBC will be run after this until 2037.

On the issue of funding, the Netflix TV Licence rule has been mooted alongside allowing the BBC to advertise.

A BBC spokesperson told LADbible: “We want everyone to get value from the BBC, which is why we’re focused on delivering what audiences want from us – trusted news, the best homegrown storytelling and the moments that bring us together. “The public cares about the BBC and this year, we will launch our biggest ever public engagement exercise so audiences can help drive and shape what they want from a universal and independent BBC in the future. We look forward to engaging with government on the next Charter and securing the long term future of the BBC.”

Another £170 a year to watch Netflix? (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Reaction

"BBC now targeting Netflix users to pay for a TV licence," one X (formerly Twitter) user wrote.

"Here’s a unique and pioneering concept that may solve all of your funding issues - companies will pay you money to advertise in your ad breaks."

Another wrote: "Surely if the BBC output is really world class they could cancel the licence fee and move to a worldwide subscription model? There are lots of English speakers."

But another posted: "Paying the TV Licence isn’t even a big deal. It’s like £14 a month and gives us TV that most people watch e.g. Eastenders, Doctor Who, Line of Duty, Luther.

"It’s legit like paying for Netflix. Don’t see the problem."