Free or Half-Price BBC TV Licence: Who Qualifies as Price Set to Rise

• The TV licence fee increases by £5 to £174.50 from April 2025, with black and white licences rising by £1.50 to £58.50.
• Over-75s on Pension Credit qualify for a free TV licence.
• Households with blind or severely sight-impaired residents receive a 50% discount.
• Residents in sheltered accommodation may qualify for a concessionary rate of £7.50.
• Students may be exempt if their parents hold a licence, depending on the device used.

The BBC TV licence fee is set to increase by £5 from April 2025, taking the annual cost to £174.50. The fee for a black-and-white licence will also rise, reaching £58.50. These increases come as part of the Licence Fee Settlement agreed in 2022, tying the cost to inflation until 2027.

A TV licence is required to watch live television on any device or to use BBC iPlayer, but many people qualify for free or reduced-rate licences. Over-75s receiving Pension Credit can apply for a free licence, while those who are blind or severely sight-impaired qualify for a 50% discount.

Students living away from home may also be covered under their parents' licence if they watch TV on a portable device like a tablet or smartphone. Residents of sheltered housing or care homes may qualify for a concessionary licence costing £7.50, provided both they and their accommodation meet eligibility criteria.

The rise has sparked ongoing debates about the affordability of the licence fee. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has indicated that a broader review of the BBC's funding model will take place during the BBC Royal Charter Review. Ms Nandy stated, “We are providing the BBC with funding certainty while supporting thousands more households facing financial hardship to spread the cost of a TV licence.”

“While the licence fee increase may seem small, it can add up for households already stretched thin by rising living costs. It’s worth checking eligibility for free or reduced-rate licences, as these concessions can offer significant savings." Tom comments.