**Britons Can Avoid Paying the £174.50 TV Licence If They Stick to These Four Streaming Services**
A significant number of UK households continue to pay the annual TV licence fee, now set at £174.50, yet many do so without realising it may not be required for all viewing habits. Although the licence was first introduced in 1946—costing just £2 then and intended to support the sole broadcaster, the BBC—it has persisted through profound transformations in how audiences consume television. The legislative landscape governing the TV licence has shifted, but some may not grasp the nuances that determine when this fee is actually necessary.
From 1 April 2025, the price climbed further to £174.50 following years of incremental increases. British law requires a TV licence for households that either watch or record programmes as they are broadcast on any television channel, or view any live content on digital platforms such as YouTube, Channel 4, or Amazon Prime Video. It is also mandatory for anyone wishing to access any BBC content via the BBC iPlayer service. Failure to pay when one is legally obliged can result in fines of up to £1,000.
However, what many may not realise is that there are scenarios where a TV licence isn’t compulsory. If viewers exclusively watch television through four specific on-demand streaming services—Netflix, Disney Plus, Channel 4’s on-demand service, and Amazon Prime Video—and never view live television or BBC content, they are not obliged to pay the annual TV licence. The law only covers live TV broadcasts and BBC iPlayer, meaning entirely on-demand viewing via these platforms remains outside the licence requirement.
It is important to note, though, that this exemption only applies if viewers steer clear of watching any live content on these services. Should they decide to watch programmes being broadcast live, or tune in to the BBC iPlayer, a valid licence becomes necessary. Those who only watch catch-up or on-demand material on these platforms, however, are within their rights to opt out of the licensing fee.
In addition to this key exemption, there are other circumstances under which a TV licence is not needed. Students, for instance, might be covered under a parental licence if they watch TV on a device that is powered by battery, not plugged into the mains, and not connected to an aerial. Additionally, members of shared households do not need individual licences, provided the home already has a licence and the TV is not used exclusively within separate locked rooms with separate tenancy agreements.
The government has also established several concessions, including certain exemptions and discounts which eligible individuals may claim. People aged 75 or over, who receive Pension Credit—or who live with a partner who does—are entitled to a free TV licence. Those approaching their 75th birthday whilst in receipt of Pension Credit can apply for a free licence at age 74, but must continue to pay until the end of the month before their 75th.
Residents of qualifying care homes, sheltered accommodation, or supported housing can benefit from a significantly reduced fee, paying just £7.50 annually. This discount applies if the individual is retired and over 60, or registered as disabled, and eligibility must generally be confirmed by a housing or accommodation manager who oversees the application.
Furthermore, anyone officially registered as blind or severely sight impaired, or persons residing with such individuals, can claim a 50 per cent reduction in the licence fee. To do so, the licence must be issued in the name of the blind or severely sight impaired person; if it is not, it is possible to transfer the account to ensure they receive the appropriate discount.
For many, the distinction between when a TV licence is mandatory and when it is not can appear complex. For the latest guidance or to check eligibility for various discounts and exemptions, residents are advised to consult the official GOV.UK website. As the realm of television viewing continues evolving, staying informed could save households a considerable sum each year by ensuring they only pay the TV licence fee when genuinely required under the law.