TV FANS will have to act now if they want to avoid Monday’s licence fee hike, experts have revealed.
The cost of an annual TV licence will shoot up from £159 to £169.50 from Monday, April 1 – after a two-year freeze ended.
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Everyone who watches TV in the UK needs to pay their annual licence fee, which counts for any live TV or anything on BBC iPlayer on any device.
If you don’t have one it’s a criminal offence and you could be landed with a fine of £1,000.
Now Alex King, accountant and money finance expert, told The Sun Brits won’t have to pay anymore as long as they renew before April 1.
He said: “Firstly, the price rise kicks in on 1st April so if your TV licence renewal date is before then it’s vital to renew at the current price (£159) now.
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“Doing so will lock in the current price until a year’s time, deferring the price rise.
“You’re able to renew from the first of the month in which your licence expires.
“Secondly, you can pay by direct debit which means if you’re already doing so and you’ve renewed recently you won’t face the higher charge until your direct debit instalments have paid the current £159 over the course of the year.”
However, not everyone can pay early to avoid the hike – as Brits can only pay for it on the first of the month it’s due to expire.
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Alex added: “If your licence is up for renewal before 1st April you can opt for direct debit and pay the £159 for another year by direct debit.
“The deadline is imminent so it’s vital to look at the above two options ASAP.”
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Meanwhile Deborah Shanahan, deals and features editor at MoneySavingExpert.com said: “Sadly this isn’t an option if your licence is due to expire after 1 April, as the earliest you can renew is the first day of the month it expires in.
“Some viewers may also be eligible for a cheaper, or even free, licence.
“Those who’re over 75 and receive Pension Credit, can get one for free and there’s 50% off if you or someone you live with is blind or severely sight-impaired taking it down to £84.75 for colour, or £28.50 for black and white.”
It comes as wealthier TV viewers could face paying more to watch the BBC under a licence fee shake-up.
Beeb chiefs are considering replacing the flat-rate levy under a “progressive” system people could pay different amounts depending on income.
BBC Director-General Tim Davie said it is “right to ask fundamental questions” about the licence in a world “full of choice”.
The broadcaster is also examining whether to decriminalise non-payment of the fee.
Who is exempt from paying?
There are some scenarios where you can get a free licence, including if you’re on certain benefits.
If you’re on Pension Credit and over the age of 75, you might be exempt, meaning you could save some serious cash.
You can apply for the discount on the TV licensing website or by calling 0300 790 6117.
But 850,000 eligible households aren’t claiming the benefit, which can make you eligible for a free TV licence.
Similarly, if you or someone you live with is in any way visually impaired, they may be entitled to a 50% discount.
If you live in a residential care home or sheltered accommodation, you may be able to apply for a reduced licence which will normally cost you £7.50 instead.
Plus if you’re a student you could be covered by your parents’ licence even if you live away from home – but you shouldn’t watch on a device plugged into the mains in this case.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to take part in a public consultation next year.
Speaking at a Royal Television Society event, Mr Davie said he is “looking at its scope, how it could be more progressive and making sure its enforcement is fair and proportionate”.
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Other revenue-raisers are set to include adverts on BBC podcasts and on-demand radio shows when they are streamed on platforms such as Apple or Spotify.
New streams of income have included a tie-up with Disney over Doctor Who and cashing in on the Beeb’s vast archives.
This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk
