TV licence fee set to rise in April 2020

The Government has confirmed that from 1st April 2020 the cost of the annual television licence fee will increase from £154.50 to £157.50.

The Government is responsible for setting the level of the licence fee and announced in 2016 it would rise in line with inflation for five years from 1st April 2017.

The new licence fee amount equates to just £3.02 a week or £13.13 a month, for which the BBC provides nine national TV channels plus regional programming; 10 national radio stations, 40 local radio stations plus dedicated Nations radio services; one of the UK’s most popular websites; the radio app BBC Sounds; and BBC iPlayer. In the last financial year 95% of the BBC’s controllable spend went on content for audiences and delivery, with just 5% spent on running the organisation.

Licence fee payers will receive a reminder or a payment plan reflecting the new amount when their licence is next due for renewal. Those buying or renewing a licence after 1st April 2020 will pay the new fee. Those already buying a licence on an instalment scheme which started before 1st April 2020, such as monthly direct debit or weekly cash payments, will continue to make payments totalling £154.50 until their licence comes up for renewal.

TV Licensing will be advising licence fee payers due to renew in March to pay on time so they will pay the current rate of £154.50. Those buying a new licence before 1st April 2020 will also pay the current rate.