Stopping your TV Licence: What you need to know

About TV Licence

TV Licence is the UK's statutory broadcasting fee that funds the BBC's television, radio and online services. If you watch or record live television programmes on any channel, or watch or download BBC programmes on iPlayer, you legally need a TV Licence. This requirement applies regardless of which device you use – television, computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone.

The licensing system has been in place since 1946, making it one of the longest-running subscription services in the UK. However, it's not technically a subscription in the traditional sense – it's a legal requirement enforced by law. The Television Licensing Authority manages the system on behalf of the BBC, and TV Licensing handles all administrative matters including payments, renewals and cancellations.

Most importantly, understand that you only need a TV Licence if you're actually watching or recording live broadcasts or using BBC iPlayer. If you exclusively watch on-demand content from services like Netflix, Amazon Prime or ITV Hub (but not live), you don't need a licence. This distinction trips up thousands of people every year who continue paying when they don't legally need to.

Keep in mind that the legal obligation sits with the property, not the person. If you're moving house, you'll need to update your licence details or cancel and inform TV Licensing about your change of circumstances. Students living away from home have special provisions, and there are also concessions for people aged 75 and over, though eligibility rules have changed in recent years.

Plans, features and pricing

The TV Licence operates on a straightforward annual payment structure. There's essentially one main product with different payment options rather than multiple tiers or plans. Here's what you need to know about current pricing and payment methods.

The standard colour licence covers you for all television receiving equipment at your address. You can pay the full amount annually, split it into quarterly payments, or spread the cost across monthly instalments. Monthly payments require setting up a direct debit, and you'll pay slightly more overall due to an initial larger payment to get you started.

Additionally, there are specific payment schemes available. The TV Licensing Savings Card allows you to pay weekly or fortnightly at PayPoint outlets, which helps people budget more effectively. However, this method requires more active management on your part, as you need to remember to make regular payments.

What your licence actually covers

Your TV Licence covers all television receiving equipment at your residential address. This includes multiple televisions, computers, tablets and mobile phones used by anyone living at that address. If you have a separate self-contained unit like a granny flat with its own entrance and facilities, that would need a separate licence.

The licence runs for 12 months from the date of purchase. TV Licensing will send you renewal reminders as your expiry date approaches, and if you're on a payment plan, they'll automatically continue taking payments unless you cancel. This automatic renewal catches many people out – they assume their licence will simply expire, but the payment arrangements continue indefinitely.

Special circumstances and exemptions

People aged 75 and over can apply for a free licence if they receive Pension Credit. This changed from the previous system where all over-75s received free licences automatically. You need to provide proof of your Pension Credit entitlement when applying.

Blind or severely sight-impaired people qualify for a 50% concession. You'll need to provide evidence of your impairment, typically a certificate from your local authority or ophthalmologist. Businesses, hotels and residential care homes have different licensing requirements and usually need multiple licences depending on their setup.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding the cancellation policy is crucial because TV Licensing operates under specific legal frameworks that differ from typical subscription services. You can't simply stop paying and consider yourself cancelled – you must formally notify TV Licensing that you no longer need a licence.

First, recognise that cancelling your TV Licence is only appropriate if you genuinely no longer watch or record live television on any channel, and you don't watch or download BBC iPlayer content. Making a false declaration is a criminal offence under the Communications Act 2003, and TV Licensing can investigate and prosecute if they believe you're watching without a valid licence.

Legal requirements for cancellation

When you cancel, you're making a legal declaration that you don't need a licence. TV Licensing will record this declaration and may send enforcement officers to verify your claim. This isn't meant to intimidate you – it's part of their enforcement process to ensure compliance with the law.

Most importantly, if you're on a payment plan and cancel mid-term, you won't automatically receive a refund for the unused portion. TV Licensing will only issue refunds for complete unused quarters remaining on your licence. If you've paid annually and have seven months left, you'll get a refund for two complete quarters (six months), but you'll lose the remaining month.

Common cancellation scenarios

People cancel their TV Licence for various legitimate reasons. Moving abroad is the most straightforward – you simply won't need a UK TV Licence anymore. Moving into residential care where the home holds the licence is another common scenario. Some people genuinely change their viewing habits and switch exclusively to on-demand streaming services that don't require a licence.

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