The number of people searching how to cancel their TV licence has reached a 15-year high following the announcement that the fee will increase again next year.

According to data compiled by SEO consultants, SEOtagg, searches for the term “cancel TV licence” multiplied by 10 times last week compared to the same period last year.

The search popularity for this term reached an “all-time peak”, based on records dating back to 2004.

James Owen, a spokesperson from SEOtagg commented: “This record-breaking search activity highlights a critical moment for UK viewers.

“The data reflects growing concerns over TV licence costs and a potential shift towards alternative viewing options as people try and navigate the cost of living crisis.”

Additional research by Every Investor found a staggering 54 percent of those surveyed admitted to not having a TV licence despite still watching live TV.

Finance experts at Every Investor commented: “TV licensing laws are strict, and the fines for non-compliance can be significant.

“Staying informed about your obligations and ensuring you have a valid TV licence is the simplest way to avoid these fines. Remember, it’s not just about avoiding penalties — it’s about contributing to the funding that supports the UK’s broadcasting services.”

Who needs a TV licence?

Everyone who watch live television on any channel, or stream shows on BBC iPlayer, needs a TV licence. This applies whether a person is watching on a TV, laptop, tablet, phone, or any other device.

As of 2023, a standard colour TV Licence costs £159 per year. It covers all devices in a person’s household and is valid for 12 months.

When don’t I need a TV licence?

If a household finds themselves only watching catch-up TV (not including BBC iPlayer), they won’t need a TV licence – as long as they’re not using the TV services to watch anything live.

Households also don’t need a TV licence to watch streaming services like Netflix or Disney+.

But, for those thinking of cancelling their TV licence to cut costs, it’s vital to be sure everyone in the same household follows the rules.

Otherwise, those who are found to have streamed a programme live without a licence could be hit with a £1,000 fine, while those in Guernsey could face fines of up to £2,000, and in Jersey, £500.

How to cancel a TV licence

If a household is certain they do not need a TV licence, they can formally let TV Licensing know by filling out the refund and cancellation request form.

Tv Licensing may then pay a visit to check if the household is right to have cancelled – it says these inspections find one in five households do end up needing one.

Free TV licence and discounts

Certain groups, such as people over 75 who receive Pension Credit, are eligible for free or discounted licences. Students can also get refunds during the summer months if they go home and don’t use the licence.

People who are blind (severely sight impaired), or live with someone who is blind, could be entitled to a blind concession TV licence. This would reduce the annual fee from £159 to £79.50 for a colour TV licence and £26.75 for a black and white TV licence. Read more about TV licences and discounts here.

How much will the TV licence increase in 2024?

After a two-year freeze, the BBC TV licence fee will increase in April 2024 in line with September 2023’s inflation rate of 6.7 percent.

This will raise the £159 annual fee by £10.65, bringing the price up to £169.65 per year. BBC bosses initially aimed for a £15 increase, but pressure from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak urging the broadcaster to be “realistic” during the cost of living crisis resulted in a slightly reduced raise.

In further action taken to reduce the impact of price rises on licence fee payers, Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has also launched a review into how the BBC should be funded in the future.