GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS TV LICENCE FEE RISE

The Government has confirmed that from 1 April 2021 the cost of the annual television licence fee will increase from £157.50 to £159.00

The Government, which is responsible for setting the level of the licence fee, announced in 2016 it would rise in line with inflation for five years from 1 April 2017. The increase is equivalent to less than 3p a week with the overall cost of a licence equating to just 43p a day.

The BBC responded: "For this, the BBC provides BBC iPlayer; the audio app BBC Sounds; one of the UK’s most popular websites; nine national TV channels plus regional programming; 10 national radio stations, 40 local radio stations as well as dedicated Nations radio services.

Our programmes and services have been at heart of UK life for almost a century and never more so than in such an unprecedented year. Each week 91% of UK adults come to the BBC, with an average of 5 million people using our services every single minute of the day and night, across TV, radio, and online."

Those buying or renewing a licence after 1 April 2021 will pay the new fee. Those already buying a licence on an instalment scheme which started before 1 April 2021, such as monthly direct debit or weekly cash payments, will continue to make payments totalling £157.50 until their licence comes up for renewal. Anyone buying a new licence before 1 April 2021 will also pay the current rate.

Information on how to pay for your TV Licence can be found at: www.tvlicensing.co.uk