There are various reasons for refunds being given
Whether you agree with its continued existence or not, if you want to watch any form of live TV in the UK, then you must have a TV licence. It’s also required if you want to use BBC iPlayer in any form.
In the age of streaming, the existence of the licence, which is the legal responsibility of the BBC and is used to fund it, has been regularly called into question. Indeed, if you purely watch streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon and never watch live programmes, you can go without a licence.
But in many cases it’s still needed for most households. It currently costs £180 per year for a colour licence following April’s price rise.
TV licence discounts
There are some discounts. For those who only use a black and white TV, the cost is £60.50. People who are blind or severely sight-impaired get a 50% discount, taking the colour fee down to £90.
People who are aged over 75 get it for free if they are in receipt of Pension Credit. Those in sheltered accommodation or care homes pay just £7.50.
Reason for TV licence refunds
There are various changes in circumstances that can lead to a full or partial licence refund. In fact, TV Licensing lists seven key scenarios where this applies. It adds that refunds are normally calculated in complete months. Below is the list of reasons given on the TV Licensing website.
Refunds can be given where the licence holder ceases to use TV receiving equipment at their address. The licence holder should not watch TV channels on any TV service, watch live TV on streaming services, or use BBC iPlayer. This includes recording and downloading. On any device. If the licence is needed again to watch live TV or BBC iPlayer before the licence expiry date, then a refund will not be given.
2. The address is covered by another licence
Refunds can be given where the licence holder moves to a different address where they will be covered by someone else’s licence (e.g. parents’ or partner’s address).
3. TV Licence was bought in error
Refunds can be given in respect of licences which are bought as a result of an error by the customer, usually because the licence holder does not require the type of licence they have bought. For example, if they have bought a licence when there is already one in place at the address. If the licence was bought in error as a result of advice given by TV Licensing, the customer can claim up to six years’ worth of refund.
4. A replacement TV Licence has been bought
Refunds can be given where the licence holder no longer requires a licence because it has been replaced by a different type of TV Licence. For example, the licence holder moves to an address which is covered by an ARC concessionary TV Licence for persons who meet the relevant criteria.
A claim can be made if a licence holder:
- Moves from a black and white licence for a colour one, or
- Moves from a colour licence for a black and white one, or
- Moves to an address which is covered by an ARC concessionary TV Licence (after qualification has been provided), or
- Applies for a hotel and mobile units TV Licence to cover the address covered by his/her existing licence, or
- Is included on an application for a multiple form TV Licence
In this category, refunds can be given with respect to complete unused months. If there is a delay in establishing eligibility for the replacement licence, the customer can claim up to two years’ worth of refund. If the licence was bought in error as a result of advice given by the Licensing Authority or its agent, the customer can claim up to six years’ worth of refund.
A refund of up to half the licence fee (depending on whether the licence is a full fee or instalment licence) can be given if a licence holder has a blind certificate issued by a local authority or ophthalmologist, but failed to claim the reduction for the blind concession when his/her current licence was bought.
To qualify for the blind concession, the customer must supply a photocopy of one of the following pieces of evidence:
- A certificate or other document issued by or on behalf of a local authority in Great Britain showing that the applicant is blind (severely sight impaired) or
- A certificate or other document issued by or on behalf of the DHSS in the Isle of Man showing that the applicant is blind (severely sight impaired), or
- A certificate issued by a Health and Social Services Trust in Northern Ireland showing that the applicant is blind (severely sight impaired), or a letter from an Optometrist (Northern Ireland only) or
- A certificate issued and signed by an ophthalmologist (CVI or BD8) (1990) showing that the applicant is blind (severely sight impaired). Or a copy of their National Registration Card signed by an ophthalmologist or
- Tax coding notice from HMRC showing that the applicant receives Blind person’s allowance.
How to claim a blind concession refund
A person who has properly claimed a blind concession may also claim a refund of 50% of the fees paid on an expired TV Licence, backdated to 1 April 2000 or the first of the month in which he or she became blind (severely sight impaired), whichever is the later. The claimant must provide the licence and a photocopy of one piece of evidence (as detailed above). The usual rule that refunds must be paid to the licence holder only does not apply in this case. If the licence covers or covered the place where the blind or severely sight impaired person resides or resided throughout the relevant time, then a refund will be payable to the licence holder even if this is not the blind or severely sight impaired person (subject to satisfactory proof).
6. Refunds in consequence of a free TV Licence application
Payments made for each complete month remaining on the current licence.
How to apply for a free TV Licence
7. Refunds due to the death of the licence holder
If the refund claim is due to the death of the licence holder, a refund may be claimed for any complete months left on the licence (as long as certain conditions are met) and may be paid to the estate of the licence holder.
