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FOI: Policies

The most commonly requested TV Licensing policies and related queries are listed below. Please note that some information contained in these policies is redacted under specified exemptions contained in the FOI Act.

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Where can I find further information on how my personal data will be used?

Please refer to the TV Licensing Privacy Policy for further information as to how TV Licensing will use any data that you provide.

What is your policy for dealing with addresses that don’t use television equipment and therefore don’t require a TV Licence?

No Licence Needed Policy (PDF 195 kb opens in a new window)

The BBC Television Licensing No Licence Needed policy deals with occupied premises where the occupier has declared that there is no television receiving equipment being used at the address for licensable activity. See how to tell us you don't watch or record TV for more information.

What is your refund policy?

Refund policy (PDF 203 kb opens in a new window)

The BBC Television Licensing Refunds policy outlines the BBC’s policy (as applied by TV Licensing) in relation to refunding licence fee payments.

A TV Licence is a legal permission to install and use a television receiver. The fee for that permission is payable in full, regardless of the length of time that the Licence will be needed.

There is no legal requirement for a refund to be made, but the BBC believes that it is appropriate in certain circumstances that refunds be given. The BBC has greatly extended the opportunity for refunds since it became the licensing authority in 1991, when refunds were only payable if a person ceased to use television within the first 28 days of purchasing the licence. See Cancellations and refunds for more information.

How many refunds have been given by TV Licensing in 2023/24?

TV Licensing gave 310,670* refunds in the 2023/24 financial year.

*Figure has been rounded to the nearest ten.

What is your policy for deciding what is a licensable place?

Licensable places policy (PDF file 225 Kb opens in a new window)

The requirement to hold a TV Licence and to pay a fee for it is mandated by law under the Communications Act 2003 and the Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004 (as amended). Accordingly, the BBC Television Licensing Licensable Places policy defines what is a ‘licensable place’ for the purposes of implementing this legislation.

This policy is used to determine the place where a TV licence permits the installation and use of TV receivers and, in turn, the place where a TV licence (or TV Licences) may be required. It can therefore be used as a helpful guide to indicate licensing requirements as well as to indicate the type of information we may need to determine the licensing requirements at a site.

While this policy sets out the rules which will apply generally, there are may be scenarios which cannot be easily determined by reference to these rules and in respect of which exceptional decisions will need to be made. The BBC therefore retains discretion in determining what constitutes a licensable place.

If you are unsure if a separate licence is required our advisors will be happy to help. Please contact us.

What is your policy on changing the address on a TV Licence?

The BBC Television Licensing Change of Address policy deals with circumstances where the licensed address on a TV Licence may be changed.

A TV Licence can only be transferred to another address if the change is permanent and within the lifetime of the Licence. If the change of address sought is not permanent (e.g. a request to move the Licence to a holiday home) the request will be refused.

A TV Licence allows the installation and use of TV equipment at the licensed place or premises – i.e. the ‘licensed address’ shown on the face of the TV Licence – by anyone who normally lives or works there.

What is your Prosecution policy?

TV Licensing Prosecution Policy (PDF 253 Kb opens in a new window)

The Policy for TV Licensing Prosecutions sets out the criteria for whether an individual or business should be prosecuted or reported to the appropriate authority. The prosecution process and how prosecution can be avoided is outlined in the TV Licensing Prosecution Code.

What is your Prosecution Code?

The TV Licensing Prosecution Codes outline our prosecution processes in England and Wales, the Isle of Man, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The codes also describe how prosecution may be avoided in certain circumstances:

What is your policy on supporting vulnerable customers?

TV Licensing Vulnerable Customers Policy (PDF 221 KB opens in a new window)

TV Licensing recognises that some people are vulnerable due to their personal circumstances. As we have contact with almost every address in the UK, it is important that we make reasonable adjustments and provide additional support when required to enable us to interact appropriately with vulnerable customers.

Our Vulnerable Customers Policy describes our approach towards these customers and how we support them.

 

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