BBC licence fee: Broadband expert explains how to legally avoid paying the fee

The BBC licence fee costs £169.50 a year but it is a topic that has recently come under heavy scrutiny. As the debate rumbles on, Conservative Party leadership contender, James Cleverly has suggested China could help prop up the BBC.

Taking a question about the TV licence fee and its future, James Cleverly claimed foreign viewers of UK television including the BBC back catalogue could help pay for the broadcaster during an “era of streaming services”. His leadership race rival Robert Jenrick also said he was “sorely tempted” to scrap the charge.

On stage at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Mr Cleverly said: “I had a delegation from the BBC come along to me and say, when I was a new MP, and they did the usual thing: ‘Oh, because of the unique way the BBC is funded ya-ya-ya-ya’. And I said to them at the time, this was back in 2015, I said, ‘If I were you, at the next renegotiation of the licence fee, I would start your planning to become a subscription service. You have a back catalogue of some of the best television in the world’.

“If Disney and Netflix can make money on the subscription model, the BBC should, because the bottom line is, in the era of streaming services, the tax to watch television is an unsustainable business model. And that back catalogue of content that we have already paid for, why don’t we make sure that when China obsesses about Peppa Pig – apparently Peppa Pig is very popular in China – and other content, that they pay for it rather than demanding that we pay for it all over again?”

As part of a similar question-and-answer session, Mr Jenrick earlier said the TV licence fee is “a question we’ll have to give a lot of thought to”. He said: “Well I’m sorely tempted to say that I would scrap it, but look, I have three young daughters.

“They watch so little terrestrial TV. They’re on YouTube on their tablets, their iPads. I think it’s difficult to see the long-term future for the licence fee, but you know, that’s a question we’ll have to give a lot of thought to.”

If you watch TV in the UK you need to pay for a TV licence fee. The annual amount can either be taken on a monthly, quarterly or yearly payment for watching live TV or anything BBC, including BBC iPlayer and on demand.

It is a criminal offence to watch TV without a valid TV licence, and anyone caught breaking the law could be faced with a fine of £1,000. Here's everything you need to know about how to legally avoid paying and who is eligible to get a TV licence for free.

Speaking earlier this year, TV and streaming expert at Broadband Genie, Alex Tofts, said: “The reality is that the entertainment industry is becoming increasingly difficult to fund, with both terrestrial and pay-TV providers facing the difficult decision to either increase prices, or pump out more adverts. The cost of producing good quality content is increasing, and with the rise of Ultra-HD cinematography, there is even more pressure to create visually appealing programmes and films.”

Who can get a TV licence for free?

If you are over the age of 75 you are entitled to a free TV licence, if you receive Pension Credit. Toft explains: "There are still many pensioners out there that don’t realise this". He adds: "TV can be a lifeline for elderly people, especially during the cold winter months."

According to gov.uk there are also additional discounts available depending on personal circumstances. If you live in eligible residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation you can get a TV licence for £7.50. You must be either retired and over 60 or disabled, your housing manager can check and apply on your behalf. You are also eligible for a 50% discount if you are registered blind or live with someone who is, however the licence must be in the blind person’s name.

For those who pay the TV licence fee but watch on demand services without opting to view programming on BBC iPlayer, you may be able to reduce your monthly outgoings. Toft explains: “There are ways to avoid the licence fee for those looking to save the pennies.

“When viewing on demand channels using your broadband connection, it is only the BBC that requires you to pay the charge. Using the likes of Channel 4 On Demand, or ITVX, will allow you to stream for free, provided you are willing to sit through ads. Be careful though, as you need to warn TV Licensing that you do not require one, or else you may be subject to an inspection.”