Everything you need to know about the TV licence - and if you need one to watch Netflix
The BBC has revealed it will be changing its policy regarding free TV licences for over-75s, with many more people across the UK being required to pay for a TV licence come 1 August.
But what exactly do you need a TV licence for, and do you need one to watch Netflix on your TV?
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Hide AdThis is everything you need to know about TV licences - including how much you could be fined for not having one.
What do I need a TV licence for?
You’re required to have a TV licence if you:
- Watch or record programmes as they’re being shown on TV, on any channel
- Watch or stream programmes lives on an online TV service, such as ITV Hub, All 4, NowTV, Sky Go etc
- Download or watch any BBC programmes on iPlayer
This applies to any device you use to do this, including a TV, computer, laptop, mobile, tablet or other device that can receive a TV signal.
You do not need a TV licence to watch:
- Non-BBC programmes on online catch up services
- Netflix
- Videos or DVDs
- Clips on websites like YouTube
A single TV licence covers all of the following in a single property:
- TV sets
- Computers
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Mobile phones
- Any other device that can receive a TV signal
How much does a TV licence cost?
A TV licence costs £157.50 (or £53 for a black and white TV), and lasts for a whole year.
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Hide AdThere are a range of ways people can choose to pay for their licence, so you should be able to figure out a system that works for you.
You can pay for your licence yearly, which means paying for it once every 12 months. Alternatively, you can spread the cost over 12 months, paying around £26.25 per month for the first six months, then £13.12 for the rest of the year.
You can also pay for it on a weekly or fortnightly basis.
You can buy your licence via the TV licencing website, here. If you don’t purchase a TV licence, but still watch live TV and BBC broadcasts, then you could be faced with a fine of up to £1,000.