The rising cost of living in the UK has meant millions are struggling to afford essential payments like TV licence fees. But if you’re one of the many people grappling with this monthly payment, it’s important to know that help is available.
The Simple Payment Plan is a scheme that could help you spread the cost of your TV licence so you can better manage your payments and breathe easier.
What is the Simple Payment Plan?
The Simple Payment Plan was designed to help struggling households spread the cost of their TV licence payments. Under the arrangement, you still pay the same amount over the 12 months, but you can choose from a fortnightly or a monthly payment plan.
Put simply, it makes your payments more manageable by breaking them down into smaller chunks.
You’ll also benefit from more flexibility with the Simple Payment Plan. If you miss a payment, it will simply be spread across the remainder of the plan, preventing you from having to pay twice as much when your next payment is due. However, if you miss three payments in a row, you’ll be removed from the plan.
For example, if your payments are changed to £3 a week under the scheme and you miss a payment, instead of owing £6 the next week, an additional amount (e.g. 20p) will be added to your weekly payments until the debt has been repaid. In this case, it would take 15 weeks for you to make up the missed payment.
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How do I make payments with the Simple Payment Plan?
As previously mentioned, making payments with the Simple Payment Plan isn’t that different to how you would make payments with a standard TV licence. The only difference is that you’ll make smaller payments more regularly.
The most popular way to make a payment is through Direct Debit, but you can also pay by:
- Using card or cash at a PayPoint store
- Setting up a Continuous Payment Authority (CPA)
- Using the TVL Pay app
- Visiting spp.tvlicensing.co.uk
- Sending money through a Paythru link sent via SMS
- Calling 0300 555 0286
Am I eligible for the Simple Payment Plan?
The Simple Payment Plan is only open to qualified individuals. Generally, you’ll qualify if you meet any of the following criteria:
- You’ve been visited by a TV Licensing Enquiry Officer
- You’ve previously held a TV licence that was cancelled in the last six months due to missed payments
- You’re experiencing financial difficulties and have been referred by a charity or local authority (referrals can be accepted by not-for-profit organisations, but not commercial organisations)
- You’ve held a Simple Payment Plan licence at some point in the last 12 months
How do I apply for the Simple Payment Plan?
The only way to apply for the Simple Payment Plan is to be invited to join by someone else, whether it’s an officer visiting your home, a letter or calling card from TV Licensing, or a registered charity that provides financial advice or counselling.
This is to ensure that only people who are struggling financially and urgently need professional help and support are able to access the service. It also removes the need to make a formal application as someone will contact you and put you in touch with the relevant department to help you set up a Simple Payment Plan on your behalf.
It is possible to apply online using a form on the TV Licensing website, but you’ll need the reference code you were given from the individual or organisation that referred you for the scheme.
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What happens if I don’t pay the TV Licence fee?
The cost of a TV licence has gradually increased over the years, from £145.50 in 2017 to £174.50 in 2025. That’s a 20% increase in just seven years, and with further increases planned, it can be tempting to simply stop paying.
However, it’s important to note that a missed TV licence payment is considered a priority debt, which means there can be serious consequences for not paying back what you owe or continuing to watch TV without a valid licence.
There’s a common misconception that not paying your TV licence could land you in prison, but this isn’t exactly true. The truth is, prison is usually only considered as a last resort if the court issues you with a fine and you don’t pay or cooperate.
TV Licensing will also send you a letter or visit your property if they suspect you’re watching TV without a valid licence to give you time to pay what you owe. If they can prove you’ve been watching or recording live TV without a licence, the maximum penalty is £1,000, excluding legal costs and compensation.
Can I get a free TV licence?
If you meet certain eligibility criteria, you might qualify for a free TV licence, meaning you can watch TV for free.
However, to be eligible for a free TV licence, you must be over 75 years old and you receive Pension Credit. This will cover you and your partner if they live at the same address, regardless of their age.
There are other discounts available for other circumstances. For example, if you’re blind or severely sight-impaired or disabled, you can claim a discount on the TV licence for your household as long as it’s taken out in your name.
Similarly, if you live in a care home or sheltered accommodation and you want to watch TV in your own separate accommodation, you might be eligible for an Accommodation in Residential Care (ARC) licence, which costs £7.50 per year.
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Can I cancel my TV Licence?
If you no longer need or want your TV licence, you can cancel it at any time – even if you’ve only recently applied for it.
To clarify, you only need a TV licence if you:
- Watch or record TV on any channel through a TV service like Sky, Virgin, or Freeview
- Watch live TV on a streaming service like ITVX, YouTube, or Amazon Prime Video
- Use BBC iPlayer to watch live or pre-recorded TV
These rules apply to all devices, including TVs, smartphones, computers, laptops, tablets, and games consoles.
To cancel your TV licence, visit the TV licensing website or phone 0300 555 0826 if you pay with a payment card or 0300 790 0368 if you pay by Direct Debit. You will need to provide details about why you no longer need a TV licence (e.g. you don’t watch or record live TV or you are moving abroad).
You might also be able to get a refund if you don’t plan to use your TV licence again before it expires and you have at least one month left on it or it expired less than two years ago.
However, if you’re moving home and your new address is still within the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man, there is no need to cancel your TV licence. Instead, simply log in to your account and update your address up to three months in advance of your move-in date.
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Conclusion
The Simple Payment Plan was created to offer more flexible payment options for customers struggling to afford their TV licence, perhaps due to a low income or job loss.
It’s TV Licensing’s most affordable plan, providing flexibility and manageable instalments. It aims to alleviate financial burden and ensure that individuals can fulfill their obligations while maintaining peace of mind.
For further advice about TV licence debt, don’t hesitate to contact a financial charity or organisation, such as Citizens Advice. They should be able to assess your circumstances and advise you on all your available options.
