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Netflix Users May Have to Pay BBC Licence Fee Under New Government Plans

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  • Government considering changes to TV licence rules after 2027
  • Netflix and Disney+ users could be forced to pay, even if they don’t watch BBC
  • Other options include ads, subscriptions, or a tiered fee system

Netflix and Disney+ users may soon be required to pay for a TV licence under new government proposals aimed at funding the BBC beyond 2027. Currently, only those watching live TV or using BBC iPlayer must pay the £169.50 fee (rising to £174.50 in April), but ministers are exploring ways to extend its reach.

Possible alternatives include introducing a subscription or advertising-based model, as well as charging those who listen to BBC radio. A tiered fee system could also be introduced to support lower-income households.

A BBC spokesperson said: “The public cares about the BBC, and this year, we will launch our biggest ever public engagement exercise so audiences can help shape what they want from a universal and independent BBC in the future.”

Tom Church, Co-Founder of LatestDeals.co.uk, commented: “Forcing streaming-only users to pay a TV licence could prove controversial. Many may question whether it’s fair to charge for a service they don’t use.”

Comments+20 points
csnowden1

Is there anything this government can’t charge us for … or take away from us… a lot of low income families don’t watch live tv to avoid this extra cost… and I wouldn’t mind if they supplied the things the subscribers watch on Disney and Netflix

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julesendsor

The BBC sound like they have an inflated view of themselves! I’m not sure the public cares about the BBC as much as they think they do!! Even less so, if they try to force streaming only users to pay for a TV license!

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BargainHunter92

People are struggling enough. Surely more charges will see more families falling deeper into financial poverty?!

What does the money from tv licence go to? If people could see that, they may understand the purpose of it.

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zyobe

This is a result of people turning off the BBC, the amount of people not renewing the licence fee has been huge since the behaviour of them during covid as well as issues with Saville, recent Huw Edwards, etc.

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jalexboberts

This is just ridiculous. Netflix, prime, etc already HAVE ads on some things. the BBC and live tv is an extra thing all together. You’re not going to pay a streaming service and an extra fee for a service you don’t use. I don’t have a tv license as i cant watch tv (no arial) and the bbc just isn’t worth it. Unless netflix/prime etc are gonna soak up the cost of needing a license, I will happily give them up too. I have DVDs lol😂

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MarkD301

It's getting ridiculous the price rises on the TV licence. First it's stamps & now the TV licence. I feel sorry for the less well off & the pensioners. My nan is virtually blind but still can't get a free TV licence.

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SPARTACUS

So people who use streaming services are being forced to pay when a subscription is already being paid - beggars belief!

Can we not fight this? We already have advertising on Netflix!!

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jimmyD

NAH I stopped paying for the TV Tax years ago and I don't watch Terrestrial TV anymore.

They can 🤬🤬🤬

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nighatshan

Unbelievable. What are they going to tax us for next.…??? Air?!? We probably won’t be able to breathe without paying for it!

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kloddy2001

As usual this government is taxing anything that moves but also taxing things that we are relying on more and more to make our miserable lives bearable and pleasurable. Shame on you all.

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peewack99

Bye Bye Netflix

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skd

Well, perhaps Netflix can remove their fee for subscribers. I haven't had a TV or TV licence for years. I don't watch live TV or anything from BBC..... Gosh the Government are going to make me suffer!

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markmccormick20

pay a company full of groomers more money……

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qrgpgc2g8v

Then watch Netflix and Disney go out of business. BBC show 90% rubbish now with iur money now

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claire312005

not a chance I will be paying for the BBC who the hell do they think they are how can they make you pay for something you don't use and everyone needs to refuse along with all the other rubbish the government are forcing on us all

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sibribbon

I don't understand how they can enforce this and I'm sure Netflix will have something to say on it. Like not operating in the UK anymore. BBC can't force licence fees on streaming. It was always about charging for live terrestrial TV. Bad enough that it covers advertising funded channels like ITV etc when it should be solely their own non advertising channels. Pathetic tactic to extort more money from the population. If this goes ahead my telly goes out the window. Plenty of books on the shelf. Rather that than fund the legal fees in the next dodgy presenter's scandal.

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ShirleyCarter

Maybe be BBC should give start having adverts to pay for this, it's never worried me seeing adverts, always a good break to get snacks and a drink.....

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Pjran

We do pay our tv licence but I think it’s unfair to make every household pay especially if they pay for a subscription channel.

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helentom1967

How can they enforce this not right

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