From 1 April 2026, the standard colour UK TV Licence will cost 180 pounds per year, an increase of 5.50 pounds from the current 174.50 pounds. This fee is a legal requirement for households watching or recording live television on any channel, or accessing any programme on BBC iPlayer, whether live or on-demand. A black-and-white licence will similarly rise by 2 pounds to 60.50 pounds from its previous 58.50 pounds. While over-75s can secure a free licence, this hinges on receiving Pension Credit, a condition an estimated 900,000 eligible households may not be utilising, leading to unnecessary payments of the full fee.

What is the new TV Licence cost from April 2026?

The UK TV Licence fee will adjust from 1 April 2026. A standard colour TV Licence will cost 180 pounds annually, representing an increase of 5.50 pounds from its prior rate of 174.50 pounds. This change affects all households requiring a licence for colour broadcasting.

For those using black-and-white television equipment, the licence fee will also see an increase. From the same date, a black-and-white UK TV Licence will cost 60.50 pounds per year, a rise of 2 pounds from the previous 58.50 pounds.

Who needs a TV Licence in the streaming age?

A TV Licence is legally required for specific viewing activities, irrespective of the device used. Households must hold a valid licence if they watch or record live television transmissions on any channel. This applies to all broadcasters, including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky, and any other platform delivering live TV programming.

Additionally, a TV Licence is mandatory for accessing any programme on BBC iPlayer, whether it is being watched live or on-demand. This requirement extends across all devices capable of receiving these services, from traditional televisions to computers, tablets, phones and games consoles.

The licence covers all such devices used at the licensed address. Devices powered solely by internal batteries are covered when used elsewhere. However, a TV Licence is explicitly NOT required for watching on-demand streaming services that are not live and not BBC iPlayer. This includes catch-up content on platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, or pre-recorded videos on YouTube. This distinction is a point of frequent confusion for many households as viewing habits increasingly shift towards on-demand digital content.

Students living away from their family home generally need their own TV Licence for their term-time address if they watch live TV or BBC iPlayer on a device plugged into the mains. This applies even if their parents maintain a valid licence at the family residence.

Can over-75s get a free TV Licence and how?

Over-75s can indeed receive a free TV Licence, but this entitlement is not universal. The free licence is specifically available only if the person aged 75 or over, or their partner living at the same address, receives Pension Credit. This includes both Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit components of Pension Credit.

The free over-75 TV Licence is not automatically issued. Eligible individuals must proactively apply for it through TV Licensing once they reach 75 years of age. A significant number of households are currently missing out on this benefit; an estimated 900,000 UK households with someone aged 75 or over could qualify for a free TV Licence through Pension Credit but do not claim Pension Credit, thereby paying the full 180 pounds licence fee unnecessarily.

For 2026/27, the Pension Credit qualifying threshold tops up weekly income to 238 pounds for a single person and 363 pounds for a couple. Owning a home or having modest savings does not automatically disqualify a pensioner from receiving Pension Credit, and consequently, does not automatically preclude eligibility for the free TV Licence.

What other TV Licence discounts and payment options are available?

Beyond the free licence for eligible over-75s, specific concessions are available to other groups. Individuals who are registered blind, meaning they are severely sight impaired, are entitled to a 50 per cent discount on the TV Licence fee. From 1 April 2026, this means they pay 90 pounds for a standard colour licence or 30.25 pounds for a black-and-white licence.

Residents in care homes may also qualify for a reduced fee under an Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) TV Licence. This special licence costs 7.50 pounds per room, unit or bedsit, provided the care home itself is eligible to issue such licences to its residents.

Recognising that not all households can afford a lump sum payment, TV Licensing offers multiple payment methods. The licence can be paid as an annual lump sum, or spread out through monthly or quarterly Direct Debit payments. For households that require more flexible payment structures, a weekly or fortnightly cash payment plan is available via a savings card, designed to make the licence fee more manageable.

What are the penalties for not having a TV Licence?

Operating a device to watch or record live television, or to watch any programme on BBC iPlayer, without holding a valid TV Licence is a criminal offence. This applies across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The enforcement of this requirement carries significant penalties.

Individuals found guilty of this offence face a maximum fine of 1,000 pounds. In Guernsey, the maximum fine increases to 2,000 pounds. In addition to the fine, any prosecution costs incurred by the authorities, and potentially compensation for the unpaid licence fee, may also be levied against the individual.

What should you do next?

Begin by assessing your household's viewing habits against the current regulations. Determine if you watch or record live television on any channel, or if you access content on BBC iPlayer, as these activities mandate a licence. If you are aged 75 or over, investigate your eligibility for Pension Credit to ascertain if you qualify for a free TV Licence, and if so, initiate the application process through TV Licensing.

Explore whether you are eligible for any other concessions, such as the 50 per cent discount for registered blind individuals or the ARC licence for care home residents. If a lump sum payment presents a challenge, consider the available payment plans, including monthly or quarterly Direct Debit, and weekly or fortnightly cash plans. Should your viewing habits change and you no longer require a licence, check if you are eligible for a refund, provided there is at least one full month remaining on your current licence.