TV Licence Cost 2026/27: How Much Is It?
A colour TV licence costs £180.00 a year from 1 April 2026, which is £15.00 a month. A black and white licence costs £60.50.
| Licence | From 1 April 2026 | Before |
|---|---|---|
| Colour TV licence | £180.00 | £174.50 |
| Black and white TV licence | £60.50 | £58.50 |
| Colour licence with 50% blind concession | £90.00 | n/a |
Why the fee went up
The government sets the TV licence fee, and and for 2026/27 it rose, which added £5.50 to a colour licence.
Who needs a licence
You need a TV licence to watch or record live TV on any channel or service, or to watch BBC programmes on iPlayer, on any device. You do not need one for on-demand services other than iPlayer (as long as you are not watching live TV).
Help with the cost
- People aged 75 or over who get Pension Credit are entitled to a free licence.
- People who are blind get a 50% concession.
- There are reduced licences for some people in residential care.
Source: GOV.UK: Cost of TV licence fee set for 2026/27. Always apply or book through GOV.UK: unofficial websites charge extra for the same service. Read how we check our figures.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a TV licence in 2026/27?
A colour TV licence costs £180.00 a year from 1 April 2026, up from £174.50. A black and white licence costs £60.50, up from £58.50.
How much is the TV licence per month?
£180.00 a year is about £15.00 a month. The rise from £174.50 is £5.50 a year, about 46p a month.
Do over-75s get a free TV licence?
Free licences remain available to people aged 75 or over who get Pension Credit. See Pension Credit to check if you qualify.
Is there a discount if I am blind?
People who are blind (severely sight impaired) can get a 50% concession, which makes a colour licence £90.00.
Figures from official sources, checked 2026-10-08. How we check our figures · About UK Answers · Report a mistake
Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.