All the ways you can legally cancel your TV Licence and reduce your bill to £0

With the cost of living crisis hitting many households, it's worth checking whether you actually need a TV Licence or not - here's a full list of what you can watch without one

The TV landscape in the UK has undergone significant changes over the past few years, with the rise of on-demand and streaming services like Netflix, ITVX, YouTube, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video. These platforms have shifted the way we consume television content, moving away from scheduled programming to a more flexible, watch-when-you-want model.

However, despite these changes, the TV Licence remains a key part of funding for BBC TV services and other public service functions such as Welsh channel S4C. Currently set at £169.50 per year or roughly £14 a month via Direct Debit, the TV Licence will continue to be a requirement from April 2024.

Yet, with the ongoing Cost of Living crisis leading to increased inflation, mortgage rates, and spiralling bills, many are looking for ways to cut costs - including questioning whether they really need a TV Licence. If you're a fan of shows like Match of The Day or Strictly Come Dancing, you'll still need a licence.

However, there are several scenarios where you can legally forego it - and it's not just students who can benefit. It's a common misconception that a TV Licence is only required for watching BBC content.

Many believe that if they don't watch anything on the BBC, they don't need to pay. This is a myth, reports the Express.

The rules around streaming platforms were updated a few years ago, but there are still plenty of ways to watch TV without needing a TV Licence. A TV Licence becomes a legal requirement if you engage in any of the following activities:.

TV Licences in the UK are required per household, not per person. This means that if you're living with others in a shared residence, only one licence is needed—unless each room is considered a separate address.

In simple terms, a single shared address equals one licence, which allows housemates, like a group of students living together, to share the cost. However, if you reside in a separate flat, even within a house divided into multiple flats, each with its own entrance, you must have your own licence.

While TV Licences are essential for watching live broadcasts, there are specific instances where you do not need one. For example, you won't require a TV Licence if you exclusively watch content on Netflix, non-live YouTube videos, or solely play games on your PS5 without tuning into live TV.

It's important to note that simply not buying a TV Licence isn't sufficient if you decide you don't need one. You're legally obligated to inform TV Licensing of your exemption status.

As for the notorious 'TV Licence detection vans,' despite skepticism about their existence, according to the TV Licensing website, they do have a fleet capable of detecting TV receiving equipment at targeted addresses quickly. The site details: "We have a database of approximately 31 million licensed and unlicensed addresses. This tells us if your address has a TV Licence."

Moreover, "All our visiting officers have access to this database. This means they can check if you have a licence or not."

"If you tell us that you do not need a TV Licence, our officers may still visit you to confirm this."

It's advisable to get in touch with TV Licensing before they come knocking. To cancel your TV Licence, if you're certain you won't be watching live TV, visit the TV Licence website and make a declaration that you either don't own a TV or don't use it in any way that would require a licence.

Additionally, state pensioners over 74 who receive Pension Credit can apply for a free TV Licence, bringing their cost down to £0.