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BBC will scrap free TV licences for up to 3.7 million pensioners, the broadcaster announced this week. The BBC provides 11 TV channels, 19 national radio stations, more than 50 local TV and
radio services, the BBC’s website, and the on-demand TV and radio services BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer Radio. On September 1, 2016 it became law that you need a TV licence to
watch or listen to the BBC channels. But what happens if you stop paying your TV licence fee? If you do need a licence, you’ll need to pay the full licence fee. If you don’t you could risk
prosecution plus a fine of up to £1,000 (£500 if you live in Jersey, £2,000 in Guernsey). The TV licence is currently £154.50 a year, a fee that will apply to over-75s as well from June
2020. However, you only need a TV licence if you watch live TV as it’s being broadcast or use BBC iPlayer. READ MORE: BBC SPENDING: WHAT DOES THE BBC SPEND ITS MONEY ON? That means, if you
only use other catch-up sites, you don’t need one. The rule that came into force in September 2016 explains you need a licence to legally use BBC iPlayer, even if you’re only watching
catch-up TV. But that doesn’t apply to other catch-up services, so the ITV Hub, All 4 and My5 are legal to use without a licence as long as you’re not using them to watch live TV. However,
TV Licensing says its figures show fewer than two percent of people only watch catch-up TV – so don’t cancel your licence unless you are absolutely sure you don’t need it. READ MORE: BBC
LICENCE FEE: NEARLY HALF OF ELDERLY WILL RUN OUT OF MONEY HOW CAN I CANCEL MY TV LICENCE? If you’re absolutely sure you do not need a TV licence, you can formally cancel it with TV
Licensing. If you pay by direct debit, the first step to cancel it is by filling out TV Licensing’s contact form. You need to tell it that you are no longer watching TV and confirm your
current address. You then need to cancel your direct debit with your bank or if you pay with a TV Licensing payment card, you’ll need to call 0300 555 0286. After this is done, you need to
fill out a ‘no licence needed’ declaration form. But still, after you’ve cancelled, TV Licensing may visit you at home. They will check whether you actually need a TV licence - and if you
do, you will have to pay the full licence fee and could risk prosecution plus the fine mentioned above.