The standard fee for a TV Licence increased by 2.9% from April 1, 2025, in line with the annual CPI inflation
Purchasing a TV Licence is generally mandatory for anyone who watches BBC iPlayer or live TV, including events shown on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. However, it’s crucial to note that rules may differ if you’re staying in ‘temporary accommodation’, and exactly where makes all the difference.
According to official TV licensing guidance, you’re generally required to pay the £174.50 annual fee when staying in temporary accommodation where there’s a separate tenancy agreement for your own room or anywhere that’s ‘self-contained’. This particularly includes separate flats or annexes.
Yet, there are five key cases in which you may already be covered by a TV Licence registered to temporary accommodation. This applies to both residents and staff, so no payment will be required.
According to the TV Licensing website, this includes:
- Hotels
- Hostels
- Mobile units
- Holiday lets
- Campsites
Anyone who is unsure whether this guidance is relevant to them should reach out directly to TV Licensing officials here. Regarding rules on ‘temporary’ licences, the site also adds: “You cannot buy a temporary TV Licence lasting under 12 months.
“Please buy a TV Licence, which covers you for a year. Then, if you no longer need it, you can cancel it and get a refund for any unused months.
“For example, if you need a short-term TV Licence for one month, you can buy one that covers you for a year and then apply for a refund for the 11 months that are unused.”
The standard fee for a TV Licence increased by 2.9% from April 1, 2025, in line with the annual CPI inflation. The official TV Licensing website confirms this resulted in a daily rise of just over 1p and notes it is only the second fee increase since April 1, 2021.
This change has led to the yearly colour licence fee increasing to £174.50, with the black-and-white licence now costing £58.50 per year. Future licence fee increases will be tied to CPI inflation over the next four years, ending in 2027.
Certain people may be eligible for a free or discounted TV Licence, provided they meet the specific criteria laid out by the UK Government. For more information, head to GOV.UK or the official TV Licensing website.
TV licensing guidance adds: “You could be prosecuted if we find that you have been watching, recording or downloading programmes illegally. The maximum penalty is a £1,000 fine plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.
“A standard TV Licence costs £174.50 and a black and white licence costs £58.50.”
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