People have been told that there is a way to avoid the charge
TV Licensing officials have said that some households may need to pay an extra £5 fee per year. But there is a way to avoid it.
Currently, UK residents must pay an annual fee of £180, which covers them for a colour TV Licence, if needed, or £60.50 for a black-and-white set. This follows a price increase on April 1, 2026.
TV Licensing informs people about the requirement to hold a Licence, issues renewal letters and processes enquiries, applications and payments. It also maintains a database of licensed and unlicensed addresses across the UK, using this information to identify and visit addresses believed to be in use without a valid licence.
Addressing the £5 charge, it explains that there are many ways to pay to avoid it. However, if you pay the TV Licence fee by quarterly direct debit, this is when you can expect to see the fee.
It explains: “Unlike utility and other consumer bills, which are usually paid for in arrears, the TV Licence fee is a fixed fee to permit the installation or use of television receiving equipment to receive television programme services, and is charged annually in advance.
“Because the licence fee is paid in arrears under the Quarterly Direct Debit Scheme, this payment method comes with a £5 annual charge (£1.25 per quarter). The £5 charge is prescribed by Parliament under the Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004 (as amended).”
Officials caution: “People are advised of the charge whenever they choose this payment option, and it is outlined in the payment plan accompanying each new licence. If people would prefer not to pay this, then there are other payment options, including annual and monthly direct debit.”
How do I pay for a TV Licence?
“We’ll usually spread the cost of your first Direct Debit licence over six months, at around £30 a month. From then on you’ll pay around £15 a month.”
- Pay quarterly – from £46.25
“We’ll take four payments throughout the year. Each payment will include a £1.25 charge.“
In further information about the quarterly direct debit, it explains: “Individuals can pay the licence fee in arrears under the Quarterly Direct Debit Scheme. This payment method comes with a £5 annual charge (or £1.25 per quarter) because the licence fee is paid in arrears.
“The £5 charge is prescribed by Parliament under the Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004 (as amended). Persons are advised of the charge whenever they choose this payment option, and it is outlined in the payment plan accompanying each new licence.”
“You’ll pay the full licence fee automatically every 12 months.”
Don’t forget: “You could be prosecuted if we find that you have been watching, recording or downloading programmes illegally. The maximum penalty is a £1,000 fine plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.” The maximum fine is £2,000 in Guernsey.
