Experts have issued guidance to help people weigh up whether they will renew their £159 TV licence this year as it is not needed for certain services.
You do not need a TV licence to stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Disney+, nor do you need one to stream catch-up content across platforms, including ITV X and All 4. While streaming services will cost money, many households already have subscriptions and it may be worth weighing up whether they're more valuable than live TV.
However, it's important to note that those who don't renew a TV licence and use BBC iPlayer or watch live television could end up with fines of up to £1,000.
With that in mind, it's important to carefully consider whether your streaming services provide enough entertainment to justify no longer using the TV.
Nick Baker, TV and streaming expert at Uswitch, said: "Purchasing a TV licence costs £159 a year. However, with the current cost of living crisis squeezing many households' budgets, many will be considering whether they need to renew their TV licence.
"You do not need a TV licence to stream on-demand shows across services such as Netflix, Prime and Disney+, nor do you need a licence to stream catch-up content across platforms, including ITV X and All 4.
"With millions of Brits investing in on-demand streaming services that have thousands of shows and films available, it’s easy to find plenty to watch without paying a TV licence fee to watch live TV and BBC iPlayer.
"Also, with the increase in smart TV devices, it’s easier than ever to stream content on television for the whole family to watch."
The experts at Uswitch also issued a warning to those in a separate tenancy agreement, as each tenant will need a TV licence to use services like BBC iPlayer.
This could impact those in student accommodation, which usually let individual rooms as opposed to an entire property.
He explained: "Firstly, for those living in student halls, you will require a TV licence if you want to watch live TV or BBC iPlayer in your own room. One licence for the whole hall of residency or flat is not legal."
"The same rules apply if you live in a house or flat share with a separate tenancy agreement. Only students who live in a property with joint tenancy will be able to watch live TV or BBC iPlayer under one licence."
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