Households could avoid paying the BBC TV Licence fee – which will jump by £5 to £174.50 from April 2025 – thanks to a “little known” loophole. The price increase comes as a blow for many as the cost of living crisis continues.
However, there’s a silver lining as some Brits could qualify for a free licence. It’s illegal to watch ‘live TV‘ without a licence, and TV Licensing has enforcement officers that carry out checks, reports the Mirror.
Financial expert Martin Lewis and his Money Saving Expert team have alerted those skirting the fee could be hauled before the courts and handed a fine of up to £1,000 or even £2,000 in Guernsey for watching ‘live TV’ or using BBC iPlayer without a licence.
The Money Saving Expert team explained: “You cannot be imprisoned for TV licence evasion in itself, although you can be imprisoned for non-payment of a fine imposed by the court.”
Luckily, those who claim Pension Credit can escape the bill. It may even be possible to receive a refund on your TV licence, if one of the following applies: if you’re moving in with someone who already has a TV licence or moving somewhere where you won’t watch ‘live TV’ or use BBC iPlayer; if you’re moving abroad; or if you’re 75 or over and receiving Pension Credit (or living with someone who is).
Other examples are if you’re moving into a care home or if the current TV licence holder has died, a refund may be due to the estate or if you have two licences for the same address or if you have a licence, but will not watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV or use BBC iPlayer before your licence expires.
People can apply for a refund online up to two years after your licence has expired. However, it’s possible you may need to print out a refund form and provide supporting evidence.
Culture secretary Lisa Nandy confirmed the new TV licence price on Friday, adding that the licence fee funding model would continue until 2027. However, she has said she will consider all funding options.
In a statement, Ms Nandy said: “The BBC provides much-needed programming for households across the country, including children’s education, world-class entertainment and trusted news for all people in all parts of the UK. I want to see it thrive for decades to come.
“Through the Charter Review, we will have an honest national conversation about the broadcaster’s long-term future, ensuring the BBC has a sustainable public funding model that supports its vital work but is also fair and responsive to those who pay for it. In the short term, we are providing the BBC with funding certainty, while supporting thousands more households facing financial hardship to spread the cost of a TV licence.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “We welcome confirmation that the licence fee will increase in line with inflation next year. We want everyone to get value from the licence fee and we are committed to delivering trusted news, the best homegrown storytelling and those special moments that bring us together.
“We also look forward to the debate about the future and working with the Government to ensure sustainable, long-term public funding. As part of these discussions we will run our biggest ever public engagement exercise in 2025 so that audiences are at the heart of shaping our future.”
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