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TV LicenceTSR Wiki > University > Student Life > Finance and Money Management > TV Licence
How much is a TV Licence?There are set fees for colour and black and white television licences. These are increased annually. The increase is effective from midnight on the day of announcement. The current fees are:-
So, do I need a licence?You need a TV Licence to use any television-receiving equipment to watch or record TV programmes as they are being shown on TV. These include programmes on digital, cable and satellite television channels. Television-receiving equipment includes:
Note: Live streaming DOES NOT include Iplayer, ITVplayer or 4oD Here is what the TV Licensing Authority says: “You need a TV Licence to watch or record TV programmes as they are being broadcast, irrespective of what channel you're watching, what device you are using (TV, computer, laptop, mobile phone or any other), and how you receive them (terrestrial, satellite, cable, via the internet or any other way),” said a spokesman for TV Licensing. “Therefore you would not require a TV Licence to watch catch-up services but you do need a TV Licence to watch live programmes, such as those now available on the iPlayer.”
You don't need a television licence if a TV set cannot receive TV programmes and is used only
This is required under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1949. Televisions in hallsIf you have a television in university halls, chances are you will need a TV Licence of your own. If you are living in a university flat under a seperate tenancy agreement (will be most students in uni flats) then you will each need your own TV Licence for any equipment in your own room. If you have a television out in a communal area of the flat, then that can be covered by someone's existing licence as well as their bedroom. You do not need to purchase a second licence just to cover the communal area.
Exceptions
Ways to cut the costAn easy way to cut costs, is to claim a refund for the unused quarter you will not be using it for (summer). Most universities do not start until the beginning of October. By delaying the TV licence until October, you can then claim back what you pay for July, August and September the following year. Don't get your TV licence until the beginning of October. Then you can claim back for the quarter of the year that you're not at university (July/August/September). When you get your TV licence it automatically backdates it to the beginning of the month - so if you buy it on the 30th September it starts from the 1st September!! Click this link for details on claiming money back You could also choose to use a black and white television. This costs a lot less than a licence for a colour television. Dealing with TVLThe TV Licensing Organisation (TVL), which is outsourced by the BBC to a company called Capita, monitor TV licence evasion. They have numerous investigation officers and send a good number of threatening letters even if they have no evidence to suggest that a television is owned. A few things should be noted when dealing with them:
Prosecution
Should I get a TV?It depends on what you are like. Some people are happy to watch what everyone else watches in the communal room, but many don't want to watch what everyone else watches, so it's probably a good idea to take one and just test the water. Ways to Pay your TV LicenceYou can pay for your television licence in one annual payment or by installments (colour televisions only). Annual PaymentIf you make an annual payment for your TV licence, you can pay by:
Direct debits will be made from your account annually, at the current licence fee rate, unless you cancel the agreement. InstalmentsThere are several ways you can pay for your TV licence in installments: Paying by direct debit
Weekly/fortnightly installments - Cash Easy EntryIf you get benefits, for example, Income Support, are on a low income (which would be true for students) or don't have a bank account, you may be able to pay in weekly or fortnightly installments. You can get more details from TV Licensing The TV licence savings cardThe TV licence savings card has replaced TV licence savings stamps. You can pay for your TV licence in installments with the savings card using cash or a debit card. You can use the savings card at a PayPoint outlet Paying for your TV licence at a PayPoint outletYou can use a PayPoint outlet to pay for, or save for, your TV licence. PayPoint outlets can be found in newsagents, local shops, supermarkets and petrol stations. You can get details of your local PayPoint outlets on the TV Licensing website If you are renewing your licence, take the renewal form to a PayPoint outlet. You can pay by cash or credit or debit card. You will be given a receipt by the PayPoint outlet which you must attach to your licence so that it is valid. You do not need to send the receipt to TV Licensing for your licence to be valid. LinksYou do NOT need a TV licence to watch non-live TV on iPlayer |