Are you a licence fee payer who’s been wondering about how to cancel your TV licence? You’re not alone. Many people in the UK are questioning whether they need a TV licence at all, especially with the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

The TV licence fee is a regular payment made by households to fund the BBC and other public service broadcasters. But what if you no longer watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer? What if you’re moving abroad or there’s a complete month left on your licence that you won’t use?

This guide will provide clear and simple information on when you need a TV licence, when you don’t, and how to go about cancelling it if you decide it’s not for you. We’ll also discuss alternatives to traditional TV that could save you money and offer a wider range of programmes to enjoy.

So, let’s dive right in and start addressing your concerns about the TV licence.

Key Takeaways

• TV Licence Basics: You need a TV licence in the UK if you watch or record live TV on any device, or use BBC iPlayer. If you only watch on-demand services (other than BBC iPlayer), DVDs, Blu-rays, or stream from services like Netflix, you don’t need a licence.
• Cancelling TV Licence: If you no longer need a TV licence, you can cancel it online or by phone. Remember to stop your Direct Debit to prevent future payments and you might be eligible for a refund for any complete months left on the licence.
• Alternatives to TV Licence: There are plenty of alternatives to traditional TV that don’t require a licence, such as streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, YouTube, social media platforms, and DVDs or Blu-rays.

When You Need a TV Licence

In the UK, you need a TV licence if you’re watching or recording live TV on any channel or device, or downloading or watching any BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer. This applies whether you’re using a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box, or DVD/VHS recorder.

The licence fee is not just for watching the BBC. It’s a legal requirement that funds public service broadcasting in the UK across multiple channels and services. So, even if you’re watching live TV on a non-BBC channel, you’re still required to have a licence.

Remember, it’s not just about the device you’re using, but what you’re using it for. If you’re watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer on your phone, you need a licence just as much as if you were watching on a traditional TV set.

If you’re found to be watching live TV or BBC iPlayer without a valid licence, you could face a fine of up to £1,000, plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.

When You Don’t Need a TV Licence

There are certain situations where you don’t need a TV licence. For instance, you don’t need one if you never watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer. If you only watch content after it’s been broadcasted, such as on catch-up TV or on-demand services (other than BBC iPlayer), you’re not required to have a licence.

Similarly, if you only watch DVDs, Blu-rays, or videos, or if you only stream from services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, or Now TV, you don’t need a licence. These services are not funded by the licence fee, so they’re not covered by the same rules.

If you’re moving abroad permanently, you also won’t need a UK TV licence. However, you might need to pay for a similar licence or subscription in your new country, depending on their laws.

Remember, it’s your responsibility to inform TV Licensing if you no longer need a licence. If you’ve paid for a licence but no longer need it, you might be eligible for a refund for any complete months left on the licence.

How to Cancel Your TV Licence Online

Cancelling your TV licence online is simple. Here’s how:

1. Visit the TV Licensing Website First, go to the official TV Licensing website.
2. Go to the Cancellation Page Next, go to the cancellation page.
3. Fill Out the Form The form will ask for your personal details and TV licence number. Have these ready.
4. Tell Them Why You’re Cancelling Tell TV Licensing why you’re cancelling your licence. This could be because you’re moving abroad, you’ve stopped watching live TV, or you don’t use BBC iPlayer anymore.
5. Submit the Form After filling out the form, submit it.
6. Stop Your Direct Debit If you pay by Direct Debit, remember to stop it with your bank to prevent future payments.
7. Ask for a Refund If you’ve paid for a licence but you don’t need it anymore, you could get some money back for the months you won’t use. You might need to show proof.
8. Get Confirmation You should get a confirmation from TV Licensing once they’ve sorted out your cancellation.

How to Cancel Your TV Licence by Phone

Cancelling your TV licence by phone is also simple. Here’s how:

1. Prepare Your Details Before you call, make sure you know your personal details and TV licence number.
2. Call TV Licensing To cancel, call TV Licensing. Use 0300 555 0286 if you pay with a payment card, or 0300 790 0368 for Direct Debit payments.
3. Tell Them Why You’re Cancelling Let them know why you’re cancelling your licence. It could be because you’re moving away, you’ve stopped watching live TV, or you don’t use BBC iPlayer anymore.
4. Stop Your Direct Debit If you’re paying by Direct Debit, remember to stop it with your bank so they don’t take more payments.
5. Ask for a Refund If you’ve paid for a licence but you don’t need it anymore, you could get some money back for the months you won’t use. You might need to show proof.
6. Get Confirmation Keep an eye out for a confirmation from TV Licensing once they’ve sorted out your cancellation.

Alternatives to a TV Licence

In the digital age, there are plenty of alternatives to traditional TV that don’t require a licence. Here are some popular options:

• Streaming Services Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ offer a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. You can watch these on-demand, meaning you can watch what you want, when you want.
• YouTube YouTube hosts a vast amount of content, from music videos and podcasts to tutorials and vlogs. You can subscribe to channels that interest you and even create your own content.
• Social Media Platforms like Facebook and Instagram are increasingly being used to stream live videos and host original content.
• DVDs and Blu-rays If you have a collection of DVDs or Blu-rays, you can watch these without needing a TV licence.

Remember, you only need a TV licence if you’re watching or recording live TV, or watching or downloading BBC programmes on iPlayer. If you stick to the alternatives above, you won’t need a TV licence.

Final Thoughts

Cancelling your TV licence is a personal decision that can depend on various factors, such as your viewing habits and financial situation. Before making a decision, it’s important to understand the legal requirements and the potential consequences of not having a licence when one is needed.

Alternatives to traditional TV, such as streaming services and social media platforms, offer a wide range of content and can often be more cost-effective. However, they may not provide the same breadth of programming, particularly when it comes to news and local content.

Remember, the key is to make an informed decision that best suits your needs and circumstances. Whether you choose to keep your TV licence, cancel it, or switch to an alternative, make sure it’s the right choice for you.