Netflix users could be forced to pay TV licence fee even if they don’t watch the BBC under new plans
HOUSEHOLDS who only use streaming services such as Netflix may have to pay the BBC licence fee under new rules.
Ministers are drawing up proposals to overhaul the way the Beeb is funded after the current royal charter expires in 2027.
Options being weighed up include bringing in an advertising or subscription model to replace the annual TV licence which currently costs £169.50, Bloomberg reported.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said earlier this month that the fee was “deeply regressive” and added that the levy was raising “insufficient” money to support the service.
Downing Street along with the Treasury and Culture department are all in talks about the future of the funding for the Beeb.
The royal charter, which is an agreement between the government and BBC on its role and governance, runs until the end of 2027.
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Listeners to BBC Radio may also need a licence and a tiered fee could be brought in to to help lower-income homes.
The licence fee raises around £3.7 billion a year which is around 65 per cent of the corporation’s funding.
Around 80 per cent of homes pay the fee but evasion is up to more than 10 per cent.
A BBC spokesperson said: “We want everyone to get value from the BBC, which is why we’re focused on delivering what audiences want from us – trusted news, the best homegrown storytelling and the moments that bring us together.
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“The public cares about the BBC and this year, we will launch our biggest ever public engagement exercise so audiences can help drive and shape what they want from a universal and independent BBC in the future.
“We look forward to engaging with government on the next Charter and securing the long term future of the BBC.”
The cost of a standard TV Licence will rise by £5 up to £174.50 in April, although other groups receive subsidised prices.
If you are over 75 and receive Pension Credit, or live with a partner who does, you are entitled to a free TV Licence.
Those living in care homes or sheltered accommodation who are retired and over 60, or disabled, can grab their licence for just £7.50.
A 50 per cent discount is offered to anyone who is registered blind or lives with someone who is.
NETFLIX LIVE STREAMING TV LICENCE WARNING
This comes as Netflix viewers were issued a warning about the live streaming of a weekly programme that could see Brits slapped with a £1,000 fine.
The streaming service recently changed the content it provides and became the exclusive home for WWE's flagship weekly wrestling programme in the UK earlier this month.
Live episodes of WWE's Raw programme began airing on Netflix on January 7 and continue to be broadcast at 1am every Tuesday.
Although Netflix subscribers already pay for the streaming service, there has been concern that watching a live broadcast may incur a fine in the UK.
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Legal experts have warned that any form of live broadcasting in Britain requires a TV Licence by law, no matter what platform it is being used by the viewer.
Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive, confirmed: "Under UK law, any live television broadcast requires a valid TV Licence, regardless of the streaming platform."
Do I need a TV licence?
IF you want to watch or record live TV then, yes, you need a licence.
This includes recording it live and watching it later.
Live TV includes all programmes on any channel, including soaps, series, documentaries and even movies.
In addition, the rules apply even if you don't watch the shows on an actual TV - for example, if you watch programmes that are being broadcast live on a PC, laptop, tablet or phone.
A colour TV licence currently costs £169.50 a year. A licence for watching a black and white TV costs £57.
You'll need to apply for a free licence on the TV licensing website or call 0300 790 6117.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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