The BBC issued nearly 41 million enforcement letters between 2023 and 2024 as figures show a dip in licence fee revenue. This figure represents a sharp increase of four million letters compared to the previous year.
The letters have often been criticised for the distress they cause recipients as they highlight that not having a licence could be a crime, with people facing fines up to £1,000.
There are currently only 23.9 million TV licences in force in the UK, 400,000 fewer than the previous year. Despite increasing the number of letters, the broadcaster has seen the licence fee revenue dip by £80million according to the latest financial results.
These ultimately meant a 30 per cent drop in real income compared to 2010 and 2011, as reported by the Telegraph. Joanna Marchong, of the pressure group the Taxpayers’ Alliance, told the outlet: “As their revenues plummet and more and more tune out, they’re showing their desperation by sending out this many letters and even suggesting forcing Netflix users to pay the licence fee.”
It is widely believed that the migration away from TV licences is due to people turning to streaming services. Leaving behind live television makes them legally not liable for the fee.
The TV Licensing site notes: “We write to all addresses where there is no TV Licence or a current declaration to say that one isn’t needed. If you tell us you don’t need a TV Licence, we will stop sending you letters. We may confirm this with a visit.”
The letter will detail the circumstances when you might need a TV licence and steps to take in order to get one, and how to set up payment plans to make the £169.50 bill more affordable.
It is worth noting that households may receive multiple enforcement letters before receiving a visit from the licensing agency officers if there is no response. These officers wear body cameras and will request to check your home for any TV equipment that is being set up or used and may interview you to check if you know whether or not you need a TV licence.
The way the BBC is funded through TV Licensing has remained largely unchanged since its introduction nearly eight decades ago. With the Royal Charter it is encapsulated in expiring in 2027, it is believed that some major changes could be due.
While households currently only need a TV licence to watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, the government is reportedly considering a proposal that would include Netflix and other streamers under its umbrella. There is a high chance this could see licence fee revenue leaping upwards as over 17 million households in the UK have Netflix subscriptions.
A TV Licensing spokesperson told Reach: “TV Licensing has a responsibility to support the collection of the licence fee by communicating with unlicensed households. These letters generate more funds than they cost to send, so more money can be spent on programmes and services.”