The price of the TV licence is set to go up over the coming years. A funding agreement between the BBC and the previous government means that the fee will increase every year from 2024 to 2028 - find out how much it could go up here.
If you are feeling priced out of the licence fee - and are wondering if you will be able to continue watching the streaming service/ services you are subscribed to you could be in luck. The TV licensing website confirms that for some streaming/ on-demand platforms you are not required to pay the fee.
But if you use BBC iPlayer, you need to make sure that you’ve paid the licence fee - or run the risk of getting in trouble. However Labour is reportedly planning on bringing an end to criminal prosecutions in the near future.
But if you use BBC iPlayer, you need to make sure that you’ve paid the licence fee - or run the risk of getting in trouble. However Labour is reportedly planning on bringing an end to criminal prosecutions in the near future.
5. Apple TV plus
Apple’s streaming service really does have some of the best, and perhaps underrated, shows on streaming right now. For All Mankind is thoroughly excellent if you like Sci-Fi, and a TV licence is not needed if you are just watching on the streamer. It does also show live sports in the form of baseball and MLS, so a TV licence would be needed then. Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images | PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images
6. ITVX
If you are watching shows on catch up on ITV’s streaming service, then you don’t need a TV licence - but it does have adverts. However if you want to watch anything live on ITVX, then a TV licence is needed. | PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images Photo: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
7. Channel 4
The confusingly named On-Demand service for Channel 4 - formerly known as All4 - can be watched without a TV licence. This is only in the case that you are watching on catch-up. If, like ITVX, you watch live TV, then the licence needs to be paid. Photo: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images | CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images Photo: CARL DE SOUZA/AFP via Getty Images
8. Now TV
Sky’s streaming service gives you the option to choose between watching shows, movies, and even live sports. If you are just using it to watch box sets of films and programmes, then you don’t need to pay the licence fee. But if you want to watch live sports or live TV, you need to pay for the TV licence. Photo: DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images | DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images Photo: DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images