TV Licensing

400,000 can renew and save in March

More than 400,000 households could save money by renewing their TV Licence by 31 March, TV Licensing revealed today.

The TV Licensing database of almost 30 million addresses shows that these households all have licences that expire on 31 March, and could benefit from saving £3, by renewing promptly before 1 April.**

On 1 April, the cost of a colour licence will rise by £3 to £145.50. The cost of a black and white licence will rise from £48.00 to £49.00. The licence fee level is set by the Government and fee increases for 2007-2012 were announced in March 2007.

Ian Fannon, TV Licensing spokesperson, said:

“TV Licensing understands that people are always looking for little ways to make their money go further, which is why we are reminding people to renew their TV Licence before the end of the month.

We do, of course, recognise that some people can find it difficult to pay for their TV Licence in one go, which is why we offer a range of ways to spread the cost, including monthly Direct Debit, which can be set up very quickly online or over the phone. We also offer weekly or fortnightly payment cards, which can be topped up online, by phone, by text message or at one of 22,000 PayPoint outlets around the country.”

ENDS

For more information, please call the TV Licensing press office on 020 7544 3144.

Notes to Editors

*Figures as at 24 February for licence expiries on 31 March 2010 where payment method is counterfoil

** The licence fee increases for 2007-2012 were announced by the Government in March 2007.

Who needs a TV Licence?

If you use or install television equipment to receive or record television programmes as they are being broadcast, you need to be covered by a valid TV licence.  Viewing television without a licence risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000. A colour TV Licence will cost £145.50 from 1 April. A black and white TV Licence will cost £49.00.

Paying for a TV Licence:

TV Licensing aims to make it as easy as possible for people to buy a TV Licence, which is why there are many different ways to pay.

• Online – people are now able to pay online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/pay by Direct Debit or with a debit or credit card
• Direct Debit - monthly, quarterly or annual Direct Debit payment schemes are available and can be set up online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/directdebit
• Over-the-counter – people can now pay at any of almost 22,000 PayPoint outlets across the country
• Debit or credit card over the phone - this facility accepts payment from a range of debit cards including Maestro, Delta and Connect
• By post – send a cheque made payable to TV Licensing to: TV Licensing, Darlington, DL98 1TL
   
• To find out more about paying in weekly instalments over the counter, online, by SMS or by phone on the cash payment plan, call 0300 790 6078 or view payment methods.

For more information about any of our payment options and concessions, to set up Direct Debit payments or to pay by debit or credit card please visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk or call 0300 790 6112.