In the age of Netflix, catch-up TV and on-demand viewing, the good old TV licence can feel like a leftover from another era - and in many ways, it is. First introduced in 1946 to fund the BBC, which was then the UK's sole broadcaster, the idea was to keep public service broadcasting free from adverts and political influence.
But nearly 80 years later, with endless news and entertainment options now available, many people are asking: Do I still need to pay for it? You must have a TV licence if you watch or record live television on any channel or use BBC iPlayer. It doesn't matter what device you use - TV, laptop, tablet, or phone - if it's live, it counts.
However, you don't need one if you only watch on-demand programmes on platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime or Disney+ or use catch-up services from ITV and Channel 4 (avoiding iPlayer). Just be aware that if you watch something that is broadcast live, even via those services, a BBC licence is still required.
If you don't watch live TV or use iPlayer, you can legally cancel your licence and save yourself £174.50 a year. You'll need to fill in a declaration with TV Licensing, and they may follow up with a check. However, be honest.
Because if you're caught watching live TV without a licence, the fine can be up to £1,000. Some people are also eligible for a discount. If you're over 75 and receive Pension Credit, you qualify for a free licence.
It used to be free for all over-75s, but that changed in 2020. Those who are blind or severely sight-impaired can get 50% off, and people living in care homes may be eligible for a heavily reduced £7.50 licence.
Contact TV Licensing for a claim form. Despite its long history, the licence fee has faced increasing criticism in recent years. With rising costs and more digital alternatives, many argue it's outdated.
Others say the BBC still offers valuable, impartial content not found elsewhere. The Government is reviewing how public broadcasting will be funded after the current BBC Charter period ends in 2027.
But for now, the licence is the law. But depending on what you actually watch, it may be a bill you no longer need to pay.
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DEAL OF THE WEEKWith Father's Day coming up on June 15, a number of restaurants are offering "Dads eat free" deals - perfect if you're planning a family lunch.
But don't hang around because booking ahead is essential for some venues. At Beefeater, dads can enjoy a free main meal when another main is purchased. To claim the offer, simply sign up with your email by June 12 and you can use it on either June 14 or 15.
BrewDog is also treating dads to a free meal this Father's Day when you pre-book online using the "DADS EAT FREE" option.
Dad can choose from a burger, pizza, or salad free of charge, as long as he's dining with the family. Over at ASK Italian, dads can enjoy a free bowl of pasta. To access the offer, download the ASK Italian rewards app.
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Did you live in England, Scotland, or Wales between 1992 and 2008 and were aged 16 or over at the time? If so, you could be in line for compensation of up to £70 from Mastercard following the approval of a £200million settlement in a long-running legal case.
Crucially, you don't need to have owned or used a Mastercard to qualify. The case stems from a 2007 European Commission ruling that found Mastercard's "multilateral interchange fees" - charges applied to businesses each time a customer paid by card - had breached competition law.
Although the fees were paid by retailers, the argument is that they were passed on to consumers through higher prices. The legal action, led by former financial ombudsman Walter Merricks, claimed around 46 million people in the UK were affected.
To qualify, you must have lived in the UK for at least three months between 1992 and 2008 and were aged over 16 during that time. The exact dates vary slightly: in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, it's from June 1997; in Scotland, from May 1992.
You must also have lived in the UK on September 6, 2016, when the claim was filed in court. An online portal will soon launch at MastercardConsumerClaim.co.uk, where eligible individuals can submit claims.
Around £100million of the settlement is set aside for direct payments. If about 2.5 million people apply, payouts are expected to be around £45 each, but could rise to £70 if fewer claims are made. Either way, it's a rare chance to claim money back for something you didn't even know you'd paid for.