The TV Licence fee is typically mandatory for people who watch live TV or BBC iPlayer content (Image: dowell via Getty Images)
Purchasing a TV Licence, costing £174.50 annually, is a legal requirement for anyone watching live television or BBC iPlayer. However, there are six specific situations in which you can cancel it entirely and stop paying.
Most obviously, this covers people who don’t watch or record live television on any channel or device, as well as those who’ve stopped using BBC iPlayer. Anyone moving into a property already covered by a TV Licence may also want to cancel their payments.
Furthermore, official TV Licensing guidance outlines several additional scenarios that could warrant cancellation. The six situations detailed 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.”
It’s important to note that some Brits may qualify for a free or discounted TV Licence, provided they meet the criteria explained by the UK Government. This includes people living in residential or sheltered accommodation who might be eligible for a £7.50 licence if they meet either 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.”
There are six specific situations in which you can cancel a TV Licence entirely (Image: Tatiana Meteleva via Getty Images)
People aged 75 or over who claim Pension Credit may also be entitled to a free TV Licence. This entitlement also extends to those living with a partner receiving Pension Credit, as the licence covers all residents at a given address.
Pension Credit is separate from the State Pension. It represents a means-tested benefit available to those past State Pension age on a low income, boosting weekly income to £227.10 for single people or £346.60 for couples.
Pension Credit recipients can apply for a free TV Licence when they turn 74, although they must keep paying until the end of the month before their 75th birthday. Once they reach this age, they qualify for the free licence.
Lastly, anyone registered as blind or residing with somebody who is can secure a 50% discount on their TV Licence. This brings the cost of a colour licence down 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. However, from April 1, 2026, the annual cost of a TV licence will rise to £180.
The increase follows the methodology of calculating the licence fee in line with the consumer price index (CPI) until the end of the BBC Charter Period. This means the cost of an annual colour TV licence will rise by £5.50, or the equivalent of an extra 46p a month.
For more information, head to GOV.UK or the official TV Licensing website.
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