"Brits will soon pay more to legally watch the BBC's output than to subscribe to some of the world's biggest streaming services, after the UK government confirmed the TV license fee will climb to £180 a year from April. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport said the fee will rise by £5.50 for the 2026/27 financial year, nudging the annual cost up from £174.50."
"The license fee remains legally required for anyone in the UK who watches or records live television on any channel, or uses BBC iPlayer, regardless of device. In other words, that laptop, tablet, or phone doesn't provide a bureaucratic escape hatch if it's showing live broadcasts. Not everyone pays the full whack. Free licenses remain available for people over 75 who receive Pension Credit, while those registered blind are eligible for a 50 percent discount."
UK television licence fee will increase to £180 a year from April for the 2026/27 financial year, a £5.50 rise from £174.50 under an inflation-linked formula tied to the Consumer Prices Index until the BBC Charter ends in 2027. The new price exceeds some subscription tiers offered by major streaming services, while premium bundles remain costlier. The fee is legally required for anyone who watches or records live TV or uses BBC iPlayer, regardless of device. Exemptions and discounts exist for over-75s on Pension Credit, registered blind people, some care home residents, and a black-and-white license will rise to £60.50.
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