BBC TV Licence people 'don't realise' £180 refund due – This Morning expert says

BBC TV Licence people 'don't realise' £180 refund due – This Morning expert says A consumer expert appearing on ITV's This Morning has explained how thousands could be due a TV licence refund of up to £180 if their circumstances change A consumer expert appearing on ITV has revealed how thousands of people could be entitled to a television licence refund of up to £180. Grace Forell, a consumer specialist, appeared on This Morning to explain the circumstances under which viewers may be owed money back — and how to claim it. Speaking on the programme, she outlined that a licence is required if you watch TV — on any channel, not solely the BBC — and also if you stream live television broadcasts on platforms such as YouTube or Amazon Prime, for example, football matches. She added that a licence is also necessary for watching BBC iPlayer content, regardless of which device is being used. A standard UK colour TV Licence costs £180 per year. Ms Forell explained that should a person's circumstances change, they are able to apply for a refund covering any unused months. On the matter of shared houses and student accommodation, she said: "You need a TV license if you're planning to watch any kind of live TV on any channel. And this actually includes live broadcasts on platforms like YouTube or Amazon Prime if it's being shown on TV." "You also need it for BBC iPlayer, even if it's on demand on a laptop or a phone. You don't need one if you're only watching platforms like Netflix or Disney Plus or regular YouTube content. But it's £180 a year. One license should be enough for the whole household as long as you're on a joint tenancy agreement." Ms Forell revealed that many people 'don't realise' they're entitled to claim back part of the fee. She said: "Not many people know this, but you can get a refund if there are months that you don't use. So, if you buy a licence and then, you know, move back home 9 months later, you can fill out a form on the TV licence website for that." She added: "Say you move into university halls and buy a licence, but then move back home 9 months later, as long as your family home has a suitable licence you can cancel yours and get money back. "Or if you move in with your partner and they have a licence, you can request a refund for yours before you move. You just need to have at least one complete month remaining on your license." For those who've recently begun university life, Ms Forell pointed out there are several special discounts available for streaming services. She said: "Prime Student is a very good one. So, that's Amazon Prime. You get six months for free. And then it's only £4.49 £49 a month and that includes Prime Delivery, Amazon music and all of that. "So, that's very good. I would look at Spotify as well because the student version is less than half the price of the standard version and a lot of students watch YouTube and they do have their own offer as well."