How you can avoid the TV Licence price rise that's just one week away

The renewal of the BBC TV Licence is almost here and with it comes a hefty price rise that all those paying will have to cough up.

For those who aren't aware, the price of the TV Licence is reviewed annually ahead of the new financial year in April.

In 2024, the licence fee is going up for the first time in two years, having been frozen by the government during the cost of living crisis.

This year, it'll rise from £159 a year to £169.50 a year. That's a monthly rise from £13.25 to just over £14.

To put that in context, Netflix's ad-supported plan puts you back £4.99 a month. The premium package is £10.99.

The cost of the licence fee is one of the main reasons behind a growing resistance to how the BBC is funded, with things set to change drastically from the end of 2027 when the current BBC Charter ends.

But not everyone has to pay it and those who do can get it for free, or heavily discounted.

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When do you need a valid TV Licence?

There's a few reasons why you would need a TV Licence; one simply one being if you watch the iPlayer in any way.

Another is if you watch live television as it is aired, on any channel. And if you watch this live television later on, having recorded it, you also must have a valid TV Licence.

But you wont need one if all you do is watch on-demand content from the likes of ITVX, Channel 4, Netflix, and Prime Video. If you use streaming services to watch live content, though, such as football matches as they happen on Prime Video, you'll need one.

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How can I avoid paying for a TV Licence without breaking the law?

You can get discounts on your TV Licence if you hit specific criteria.

They include being over 75 years old and on Pension Credit; being severely blind; and those who live in a care home. Those in care homes, or supporting housing, can get their licence for just £7.50.

A free TV Licence can be yours if you are the licence holder, aged over 75, and they or their partner living with them are a recipient of Pension Credit.

If you’re 75 or over and live in a residential care home, you may be covered by an ARC TV Licence and won’t have to pay for a licence even if you don’t receive Pension Credit.

Some people are also entitled to a TV Licence refund worth £159 which you only have days left to claim.