BBC licence fee to increase from April

But it will only be a small change, in line with inflation

Published: Friday, 23 February 2018 at 10:50 am

The cost of the annual TV and radio licence fee will rise this April, from £147 to £150.50.

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The increase of 2.23 % is in line with inflation, and will mean that access to all of the BBC’s TV channels, radio stations, websites and apps (including BBC iPlayer) will now cost the equivalent of £2.89 a week or £12.54 a month per household.

The change comes as a result of a Government decision in 2016 that the licence fee would rise in line with inflation for five years from the 1st April 2017. Prior to last year, it had not increased since 2010.

In the release announcing the change, the BBC also claims that last year 95% of the Corporation's “controllable spend” went on content for audiences and the delivery of that content, with just 5% used to pay for the organisation's running costs.

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In a new graphic, the Corporation also says the value for money of the licence fee has increased over the last quarter century, with more services now available for less money (adjusted for inflation) annually.

TV licence holders will be reminded of the new cost next time their licence is due for renewal, while those buying or renewing a licence after 1st April will pay the new fee. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to renew your licence fee before April to keep the lower rate for a bit longer.

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The lower rate will also apply to those who pay their licence fee in instalments, assuming the monthly or weekly payment plan started before 1st April.

Authors

Radio Times commissioning editor Huw Fullerton. He sits in front of a shelving unit, looking at the camera and smiling. He wears glasses and has a moustache

Huw FullertonCommissioning editor

Huw Fullerton is a commissioning editor for Radio Times magazine handling comedy, entertainment and specialist drama. In a previous regeneration, he covered all things sci-fi and fantasy for RadioTimes.com.

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