Only watch catch-up TV? You...
If you watch 'live' TV, you need a TV licence; there's no avoiding it. But if you watch catch-up without using BBC iPlayer, you could ditch it & save £100s - MoneySavingExpert.
www.moneysavingexpert.comHere’s the latest on the TV licence news.
Key update:
- The TV licence fee is scheduled to rise to £180 from April 2026, an increase of £5.50. The fee will then be adjusted annually in line with inflation through 2027. This change is part of the current funding arrangements for the BBC. This means households in the UK that watch BBC, use iPlayer, or access licensable content on any device must pay the licence, with exemptions for certain groups (e.g., pension credit recipients over 75). For many households, this is the primary point of reference for ongoing licence costs.[1]
Other relevant context and notes:
- The BBC and government have been reviewing the BBC’s funding model and charter arrangements, with discussions about potentially different funding mechanisms in the longer term beyond 2027, but no replacement model has been confirmed to replace the licence fee during the current charter period.[1]
- There’s ongoing public and political debate about whether the licence fee remains fit for a streaming-dominant landscape, with proposals ranging from decriminalisation of non-payment to broader funding reforms; however, no definitive reform is in place yet as of early 2026.[4]
- The National Audit Office has highlighted compliance and collection challenges, including measures to support households facing difficulties and the ongoing effort to align enforcement with updated funding and charter processes ahead of the 2027 charter end.[3]
What this means for you in London:
- If you watch live BBC television or use BBC iPlayer, you likely need a licence, and the annual cost for most categories will be £180 from April 2026 onward, rising with inflation each year through 2027.[1]
- There are still free or reduced-rate options for specific groups (e.g., free licences for those over 75 who receive pension credit; reduced fees for care home residents and visually impaired individuals).[1]
Would you like me to pull more details on eligibility for exemptions, payment plans, or how the 2027 charter discussions could affect future funding? I can also summarize comparisons of possible future funding models if you’re evaluating whether to plan for a change.[3][4][1]