The TV Licence fee is due to rise again in April 2027. The increase is confirmed, but the Government has not yet announced the new price. Here is what the change means, what you pay now, who needs a licence and where to get help with the cost.
The rise follows the current inflation-linked funding agreement. The exact 2027/28 price has not been confirmed, so any figure being shared before the official announcement is only an estimate.
The exact start date in April has not yet been announced.
The standard colour licence price for 2026/27.
The Government will confirm the amount nearer the change.
Households and organisations that need a TV Licence.
Last checked: 3rd November 2026. This guide covers the UK, including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How much will the TV Licence cost in April 2027?
The 2027/28 fee has not been announced yet. The Government has confirmed that the licence fee will rise in April 2027 in line with inflation, under the current funding agreement between the Government and the BBC.
That means the price is expected to increase, but there is no confirmed figure to use yet. Be cautious of articles or social media posts claiming to know the exact 2027 price before the official announcement.
What does a TV Licence cost now?
These are the current prices, which took effect on 1st April 2026:
Per year, or £15 a month when averaged across 12 months.
Per year for a black and white licence.
The standard colour licence price applies to homes and businesses. Some people can qualify for a free or discounted licence, explained below.
Paying monthly: A new monthly Direct Debit licence is usually paid over six months at around £30 a month. After that, payments are around £15 a month. You can also pay quarterly from £46.25 per payment, which includes a £1.25 charge, or pay the £180 annual fee in one go. Payment arrangements can change, so check the current options with TV Licensing.
Why is the TV Licence fee going up?
The licence fee is set by the Government. Under the 2022 funding settlement, it is due to increase annually in line with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) until the end of the current BBC Charter period.
The 2026/27 increase brought the standard colour licence to £180. The April 2027 increase is the final inflation-linked rise under this settlement. The Government has not yet confirmed the amount for 2027/28.
Do you need a TV Licence?
You need a TV Licence if you do either of the following:
- Watch or record live television on any channel or service, including live programmes streamed online.
- Watch or download programmes on BBC iPlayer, including on-demand programmes.
This applies whether you watch on a television, laptop, desktop computer, mobile phone, tablet or another device. It does not matter whether you receive television through an aerial, satellite, cable or the internet.
- Own or have a television in your home.
- Use broadband or have a streaming subscription.
- Watch on-demand films and programmes on services such as Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video, provided you are not watching live television.
- Watch ordinary on-demand videos on YouTube.
- Watch DVDs or Blu-rays.
Do you need a TV Licence for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or YouTube?
Not if you only watch on-demand programmes and films. You can watch on-demand content on Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and similar services without a TV Licence.
The important difference is live television. You need a licence if you watch a programme being shown live on a streaming service. For example, watching a live television channel or live broadcast on YouTube requires a licence. Watching an ordinary YouTube video after it has been uploaded does not.
You still need a licence to use BBC iPlayer, even if you only watch programmes on demand and never watch live television.
Can you get a free or cheaper TV Licence?
Yes. There are concessions for some people. Check the current rules before paying the full price.
You can get a free licence if you are 75 or over and you, or your partner living at the same address, receive Pension Credit.
You can qualify if you are registered blind or live with someone who is. The colour licence costs £90 at the current rate and must be in the registered blind person’s name.
A reduced licence may be available to eligible residents of care homes, sheltered accommodation or supported housing.
For the residential care concession, you generally need to be retired and over 60, or disabled, and live in eligible accommodation. The accommodation manager normally checks eligibility and applies for the licence.
These are the current concession arrangements. The 2027 price for discounted licences will depend on the official fee announcement and any rules in force at the time.
What if you are struggling to pay for your TV Licence?
If paying the full annual amount is difficult, you may be able to use the Simple Payment Plan. People who qualify can spread the cost over 12 months, choosing fortnightly or monthly payments.
The plan is not open to everyone automatically. You may be able to join if TV Licensing has invited you, a TV Licensing officer has visited to check whether you need a licence, your previous licence was cancelled because of missed payments within the last six months, you have recently had a Simple Payment Plan licence, or a not-for-profit money advice organisation refers you. Check the current eligibility rules with TV Licensing before relying on this option.
Do not assume that missing payments or cancelling a Direct Debit means you are no longer required to have a licence. If you need a licence, contact TV Licensing as soon as possible to discuss the payment options available to you.
If you are on a low income, also check whether you qualify for a free licence through Pension Credit or one of the other concessions.
What happens if you watch live TV without a licence?
If you watch or record live television, or use BBC iPlayer, when you are not covered by a TV Licence, you could be prosecuted and fined up to £1,000. Court costs may also apply. The maximum fine is set by law and is not an automatic penalty.
If you genuinely do not need a licence, you can tell TV Licensing. Make sure your viewing habits meet the rules before cancelling or deciding not to buy one.
Do students and people in shared accommodation need their own licence?
It depends on the living arrangements and where you watch television.
- Shared household: One licence can cover everyone watching in a shared area, or people who have a joint tenancy agreement.
- Separate tenancies: If you have your own separate tenancy agreement and watch television in your own room, you may need your own licence.
- University accommodation: You will generally need a licence to watch live television or use BBC iPlayer in your own room. Shared areas may already be covered by a licence held by the accommodation provider.
- Students using a family home licence: In some circumstances, you can be covered by the licence at your parents’ or guardians’ home when using a battery-powered device that is not plugged in or connected to an aerial.
Check the detailed TV Licensing guidance if you live in halls, a shared flat or another type of student accommodation.
Do businesses need to pay the TV Licence fee?
Businesses and other organisations can also need a TV Licence if they watch or provide access to live television or BBC iPlayer. The standard colour licence currently costs £180 for businesses as well as homes.
There are specific rules for hotels and other overnight accommodation. For example, one licence can cover up to 15 rooms or accommodation units in qualifying premises. The correct arrangements depend on the type of business and how television is provided, so check the official business guidance rather than assuming a household licence is enough.
Is the BBC TV Licence being abolished after 2027?
There is no confirmed replacement funding system yet. The current BBC Charter runs until 31st December 2027, and the Government is reviewing the BBC’s future. The review may lead to changes after the current Charter period, but the future funding arrangements have not been finalised.
This is separate from the April 2027 price increase. The confirmed position for now is that the licence fee will rise in April 2027 under the existing inflation-linked settlement.
What should you do before the April 2027 increase?
- Check whether you actually need a licence based on what you watch.
- Check whether you qualify for a free or discounted licence.
- If you need a licence but are struggling with the cost, ask TV Licensing about payment support.
- If you pay for a standard licence, continue with your existing payment arrangements until the new fee is announced.
- Check this guide again when the Government confirms the 2027/28 price.
Frequently asked questions about the TV Licence increase
The key points people are most likely to need when checking the 2027 TV Licence increase.
Has the TV Licence increase for April 2027 been confirmed?
Yes. The fee is due to rise in April 2027 in line with inflation. The exact new price has not yet been announced.
How much is the TV Licence per month at the moment?
The standard colour licence is £180 a year, which averages £15 a month. A new monthly Direct Debit licence is usually paid at around £30 a month for the first six months, then around £15 a month. Other payment methods have different schedules.
Will I have to pay more if I only watch BBC iPlayer?
You need a TV Licence to watch or download programmes on BBC iPlayer, even if you only watch on-demand programmes and do not watch live television.
Can I cancel my TV Licence if I only watch Netflix?
You may not need a licence if you only watch on-demand content and do not watch or record live television on any channel or service or use BBC iPlayer. Check your viewing habits carefully before cancelling.
Do I need a licence to watch live sport online?
Yes, if it is being shown live as a television programme or channel on a streaming service. The rule applies even when you watch on a phone, tablet or computer.
Can I get a free TV Licence if I am over 75?
You can qualify if you are 75 or over and you or your partner who lives with you receives Pension Credit. You need to apply for the free licence.
Does the TV Licence increase apply in Scotland?
Yes. The TV Licence fee and the rules about when you need a licence apply across the UK, including Scotland.
When will the new 2027 TV Licence price be announced?
The Government has not given an announcement date. The 2027/28 fee will be confirmed before the increase takes effect.
Official information and sources
These Government and TV Licensing sources explain the confirmed price, the 2027 increase and the rules for households and businesses.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Confirms the £180 colour licence for 2026/27 and the inflation-linked increase due in April 2027.
GOV.UK: TV Licence
Explains when a licence is needed, current fees, shared households, businesses and penalties.
GOV.UK: Free or discounted TV Licence
Sets out the eligibility rules for over-75s, people who are registered blind and residents of qualifying care or supported accommodation.
TV Licensing: How much does a TV Licence cost?
Confirms the current colour and black and white licence prices and explains the annual inflation-linked adjustment.
TV Licensing: Watching programmes online
Explains the difference between live television on streaming services and ordinary on-demand videos.
TV Licensing: Simple Payment Plan
Explains who can join the plan and how eligible customers can spread payments over 12 months.
TV Licensing: Hotels, hostels and guest accommodation
Explains how licensing works for accommodation providers and how the number of rooms or units affects the fee.
This guide is for general information and was last checked on 3rd November 2026. The 2027/28 fee is not yet confirmed. We will update the article when the Government publishes the new price. Always check the official guidance for your own circumstances.