The TV Licence fee is typically mandatory for people who watch live TV or BBC iPlayer content (Image: Getty)
Purchasing a TV Licence is generally a legal requirement for anyone viewing live television or BBC iPlayer, with an annual cost of £174.50. Nevertheless, there are six specific circumstances where you can cancel it completely and avoid future charges.
Most obviously, this applies to people who don’t view or record live television on any channel or device, as well as those who have ceased watching programmes on BBC iPlayer. Anyone relocating to a property already protected by a TV Licence may also wish to terminate their payments.
Additionally, official TV Licensing guidance highlights several other scenarios that might necessitate cancellation. The six circumstances listed on its website include:
- You don’t watch or record live TV on any channel or device, and you don’t download or watch BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer any more.
- You are moving to an address that already has a TV Licence.
- You are moving into a care home.
- You are moving abroad.
- The licence holder has died.
- You have two licences for the same address.
The site further advises: « You may be able to get a refund on your TV Licence if you are not going to need it again before it runs out, and there is at least one whole month left on it. If you pay for your licence with a TV Licensing payment card (cash plan), call 0300 555 0286. If you pay for your licence by Direct Debit, call 0300 790 0368. »
Some people are also eligible for free or discounted TV Licences (Image: Getty)
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It’s worth noting that certain Brits may also be entitled to a free or reduced-price TV Licence, provided they meet the specific requirements set by the UK Government. This encompasses people residing in residential or sheltered accommodation who could be eligible for a £7.50 licence if they fulfil either one of two conditions.
According to the UK Government, this includes:
- Being retired and over 60
- Having a disability
« You can get a TV Licence for £7.50 if you live in an eligible residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation, » official GOV.UK advice explains. « Your housing manager can check if you can get it and will apply for you. »
Additionally, people aged 75 or above who receive Pension Credit may qualify for a free TV Licence. The same provision applies if you live with a partner who receives Pension Credit, as the licence encompasses everyone at a specific address.
Pension Credit differs from the State Pension. It relates to a means-tested benefit for those beyond State Pension age with a low income, supplementing weekly earnings to £227.10 for singles or £346.60 for couples.
Those receiving Pension Credit can request a free TV Licence upon reaching 74, though they must continue paying until the conclusion of the month preceding their 75th birthday. Following this milestone, they become eligible for the complimentary licence.
Finally, anyone registered as blind or living with someone who is can obtain a 50% reduction on their TV Licence. This reduces the cost of a colour licence to £87.25.
Official Government guidance explains: « The licence must be in the blind person’s name – if it’s not, you can make a new application to transfer it into their name. You’ll need to provide your existing TV Licence number when you apply. »
Standard-coloured TV Licences usually cost £174.50 per year, while black-and-white licences cost £58.50 per year. For more information, head to GOV.UK or the official TV Licensing website.
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