Free BBC TV licences remain available for one specific Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefit under the Labour government led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The confirmation comes as Lisa Nandy has been reappointed to the Culture Secretary brief, ensuring no immediate changes to TV Licensing requirements.
TV Licence Price Rise Confirmed
The annual cost of a standard colour TV licence will rise to £180 from 1 April 2026, a £5.50 increase on the current price of £174.50 a year, which was introduced in April 2025. However, eligible pensioners can avoid paying the full amount.
All over-75s used to receive a free TV licence, but rules changed in August 2020. Now, free licences are only available to over-75s who receive Pension Credit, a means-tested DWP benefit. This policy remains unchanged under the current government.
Who Qualifies for a Free Licence?
If you receive Pension Credit, you can claim a free TV licence, regardless of your age. This applies to over-75s and younger people on the benefit. The BBC funds these licences directly.
For those not on Pension Credit, a refund may still be possible in certain circumstances, such as if you live in a care home or are blind or severely sight-impaired.
Regional Variations Across the British Isles
The rules differ slightly in the Crown Dependencies. In the Isle of Man, over-75s can claim a free licence if they receive Income Support. The Isle of Man Government funds TV licences for those aged 75 and over who do not receive Income Support.
In Jersey, over-75s on a low income can claim a free licence paid for by the BBC. Under-75s can also claim if they permanently live with someone who is eligible. In Guernsey and Alderney, over-75s receiving Income Support can claim a free licence, and those between pension age and 75 receiving Income Support may also be eligible.
In Sark, over-75s receiving financial assistance from the Procureur of Sark can claim a free licence by contacting the Procureur.
Lisa Nandy's Reappointment
10 Downing Street has announced that Lisa Nandy will remain in her role overseeing Britain's film and TV industry, extending her stay at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport beyond two years. She is now the longest-serving culture secretary since Jeremy Hunt in 2010.
According to government sources, the reappointment signals continuity in cultural policy, including the TV licensing framework. The BBC has confirmed that the free licence scheme for Pension Credit recipients will continue unchanged.
How to Claim Your Free Licence
To claim a free TV licence, you must provide proof of Pension Credit. Applications can be made online via the TV Licensing website or by phone. If you already receive Pension Credit, you may be automatically eligible, but you still need to apply.
For those unsure of their eligibility, the government advises checking with the Pension Credit helpline or visiting the gov.uk website. Over-75s who do not receive Pension Credit must pay the full £180 fee from April 2026.
The confirmation comes amid wider debates on the BBC's future funding. According to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the licence fee remains the primary funding model for the BBC until at least 2027, with any changes subject to review.
