Overview
- DCMS confirmed the annual colour licence will increase from £174.50 to £180 from April 1, with the black-and-white rate rising to £60.50 for 2026/27.
- The BBC is cancelling and refunding licences for eight situations, including no longer watching live TV or BBC iPlayer and moving to an address that already has a licence.
- Other eligible refunds cover duplicate licences, the licence holder’s death, moving abroad, moving into a care home, and living with someone 75+ who qualifies for a free licence.
- A licence is required to watch or record live TV on any channel or to download or watch BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer; on-demand services like Netflix alone do not require one.
- Free licences remain for over-75s on Pension Credit, care-home residents can get a £7.50 fee, and people registered blind receive a 50% discount, with instalment plans available.