Television Licensing in the United Kingdom: Rules, Costs and Enforcement 2023

Making Changes to an Existing Licence

If you move homes, you must update your address on your TV license. This can be easily done online on the TV Licensing website.

You may also need to update your details if you change your name or email address. Sign into your account to amend any information.

For refunds and cancellations, you can submit requests online for consideration. Refunds are prorated minus an admin fee.

Enforcement and TV Licence Evasion Penalties

It is a criminal offence under the Communications Act to use a television receiver without a valid TV licence. Strong penalties exist as deterrents:

Fines

• Watching TV without a licence can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Fines are imposed by magistrates’ courts.
• If taken to court and convicted, the maximum fine is £2,000 plus legal costs.

Prosecution

• Over 120,000 people were prosecuted for TV licence evasion in 2021, resulting in fines totalling £59 million.
• A criminal record is likely if prosecuted, which can negatively impact employment and travel visas.

Jail time

• While rare, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for non-payment of fines related to TV licence evasion prosecution.

To deter licence fee avoidance, TV Licensing makes consistent efforts to detect unlicensed properties and pursue payments owed. Technology like databases, detection vans and inspector visits are used.

Overall, it’s simply not worth the risk and consequences to avoid paying for a required TV licence.

Exceptions and Discounts for Senior Citizens

There are some circumstances where exceptions, concessions or discounts apply:

• Senior discount – Over 75s receiving Pension Credit are eligible for a free TV licence. Individuals must show documentation confirming their entitlement.
• Registered blind – Those registered as blind/severely visually impaired can receive 50% off the cost of a TV licence.
• Care homes – May receive a discount for Residential Care licence covering TVs in resident rooms.

But aside from special cases, the vast majority of households and businesses are required to pay the standard licence fee amount in full.

The Future of the TV Licence Fee

The relevance and future form of the TV licence has come under scrutiny in recent years. Critics argue it’s outdated in the age of streaming. But for now, it remains required by law.

There is ongoing debate around decriminalising non-payment and transitioning to a new funding model in the coming decade. However, changes would require parliamentary approval.

In the near term, the licence fee continues to be mandatory for accessing television in the UK. Stay up to date on any policy changes that may impact requirements.