BBC TV licence petition gathers momentum as further fee hike confirmed

The UK Government has confirmed that the BBC TV licence fee will rise in line with inflation annually until 2027, with an increase of £5 from the current £169.50 to £174.50 due this April. However, a new online petition demanding the abolition of the fee has now garnered thousands of signatures.

The 'abolish the TV licence' petition, initiated by Alastair Horton and hosted on the UK Government's petitions-parliament website, has already attracted nearly 6,000 supporters. The petition argues: "We think the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is losing its popularity and we shouldn't be forced to fund it."

Despite only 18 words, the petition's message seems to be striking a chord, given the number of signatures collected in a matter of days. If it reaches 10,000 signatures, it warrants a written response from the UK Government, and at 100,000, it could be considered for debate in Parliament - you can view it online here.

The annual licence fee has been under scrutiny for years under the Conservative government, having been frozen for two years at £159 before a lower-than-expected increase was implemented in April this year. Last week in a written statement to Parliament, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy commented on the future of the BBC: "The BBC provides much-needed programming for households across the country, including children's education, world-class entertainment and trusted news for all people in all parts of the UK. I want to see it thrive for decades to come", reports the Daily Record.

She outlined plans for the national broadcaster, saying: "Through the Charter Review, we will have an honest national conversation about the broadcaster's long-term future, ensuring the BBC has a sustainable public funding model that supports its vital work but is also fair and responsive to those who pay for it. In the short-term, we are providing the BBC with funding certainty while supporting thousands more households facing financial hardship to spread the cost of a TV licence."

The household payment that largely funds the BBC's activities, is set to rise yearly in step with the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate.

As part of the government strategy, the BBC's Royal Charter will be reviewed, incorporating a public consultation that aims to look at different funding options that could underpin the broadcaster's longevity. For households grappling with financial demands, the Government initiated the Simple Payment Plan (SPP), and is looking to extend its reach.

The announced expansion is forecasted to let around 9,000 additional unlicensed households each month, which are experiencing financial difficulties, break down their annual fee into fortnightly or monthly parts that are easier to manage. The BBC is facing mounting financial challenges and last month announced a series of proposed changes, which include the reduction of over 100 news roles.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We welcome confirmation that the licence fee will increase in line with inflation next year. We want everyone to get value from the licence fee and we are committed to delivering trusted news, the best homegrown storytelling and those special moments that bring us together.

“We also look forward to the debate about the future and working with the Government to ensure sustainable, long-term public funding. As part of these discussions we will run our biggest ever public engagement exercise in 2025 so that audiences are at the heart of shaping our future.”

Who needs to buy a TV licence?

• A TV licence is needed in the UK to watch or record any programmes as they are being broadcast live on television
• It is also required to watch or stream live programming on any online TV streaming service, such as BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Amazon prime and YouTube

You can check if you need a TV licence on the TV Licensing website here.

Ways to pay for a TV licence

A TV licence currently costs £169.50. You can pay it all in one go, or:

• Pay by monthly Direct Debit - from £14 per month
• Pay less for your licence if you’re over 75 on Pension Credit, registered blind, or live in a care home
• Pay by quarterly Direct Debit - it works out at around £44 per month
• Pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly with a TV Licensing payment card (from £6.50 per week) - once the card is set up you can pay online, through the TV Licensing app, by phone, text message or at any PayPoint

Can I get a discount?

Certain groups are entitled to TV licence discounts such as those who live in care homes, who could get it for free or pay a reduced amount if they are part of an Accommodation for Residential Care scheme - find out more here.

People who are registered blind are entitled to a half price TV Licence (£84.75) and may be eligible for a refund on payments made in previous years - if they have been the registered TV licence holder.

Free TV Licence for over-75s

If you already receive Pension Credit, you can apply for your free over-75 TV Licence when you are 74 years old. TV Licensing will update your payments to cover you until your 75th birthday, at which point you’ll then be covered by your free licence. They will confirm this in writing.

If you think you’re eligible for a free licence but don’t currently have a TV licence, call 0300 790 6117 and speak to an advisor to request an application form. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 6.30pm.