TV Licensing

Renew this month and save money

More than 400,000 UK households can save money by renewing their TV Licence by 31 March, TV Licensing announced today. According to TV Licensing’s database of almost 30 million addresses, around 440,000* households whose licences expire on 31 March can benefit and save £3 by renewing promptly before the licence fee increase on 1 April.**

On 1 April, the cost of a colour TV licence will rise by £3.00 to £142.50. The cost of a black and white licence will rise from £47.00 to £48.00. The level of the licence fee is set by Government. This year's increase was designed as part of a six-year settlement that was agreed and announced by the Government in 2007.

Joanna Pearce, TV Licensing spokesperson, said:

"TV Licensing understands that people are always looking for ways to make their money go further, which is why we are issuing this reminder for those people whose licence will expire in March.

When you renew your licence, it’s also worth checking that you’re using the payment method that’s best for you. For example, you can spread the cost of your licence using monthly Direct Debit, which can be set up in minutes online and you will then have the peace of mind of knowing that your licence is renewed automatically.

TV Licensing would always prefer people to pay for a licence rather than risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000. That’s why we offer a range of payment methods so people can pick the one that works best for them. For more information about ways to pay and the concessions available, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk."

ENDS

For further information please contact the TV Licensing Press Office on 020 7544 3144

Notes to Editors

* Figures as at 19 February for licence expiries on 31 March 2009 where payment method is counterfoil

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

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.

Paying for a TV Licence:

A colour TV Licence currently costs £139.50. A black and white TV Licence currently costs £47.00. From 1 April 2009 a colour licence will cost £142.50 and a black and white licence will cost £48. The level of the licence fee is set by Government.

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.

• Over-the-counter – people can now pay at any of almost 20,000 PayPoint outlets across the country
• Direct Debit - monthly, quarterly or annual Direct Debit payment schemes are available and can be set up online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/pay-for-your-tv-licence/
• To find out more about paying in weekly instalments over the counter, online, by text message or over the phone on the cash payment plan, call 08457 289 289
• Online – people are now able to pay online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk by Direct Debit or with a debit or credit card
• 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.

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 0844 800 6732.