What is a TV licence in the UK?
A TV licence is a legal requirement for households in the United Kingdom that watch or record live television on any channel, or watch BBC programs on iPlayer. The licence fee is the main source of funding for the BBC.
The licence covers all live TV, whether watched on a television, computer, phone or tablet, and all BBC iPlayer content.
People who only watch on-demand services from other providers, such as Netflix, and do not watch live TV or iPlayer, do not need a licence.
Concessions and enforcement
Blind people can receive a 50 percent discount. Some people aged 75 and over who receive Pension Credit can get a free licence.
Watching live TV without a licence is a criminal offence in England and can lead to a fine. TV Licensing, which collects the fee, sends letters and can visit homes to check.
The licence fee is set by the government and has been the subject of debate. Some people argue it is outdated in the age of streaming, while others say it protects the BBC's independence. Licences were first required for radio sets in the early 1920s, and a combined radio and television licence was introduced in 1946.