Overview

• Licence numbers fell from 24.1 million to 23.8 million in 2024-25, resulting in a £50 million funding gap
• An inflation-driven fee increase to £174.50 raised annual licence income to £3.8 billion despite fewer paying households
• Executives have ruled out introducing advertising or subscription models in any future funding overhaul
• The licence fee remains protected under the Royal Charter until 2027, shaping the timeline for structural reform
• Over-75 pensioners can apply for Pension Credit online in about 16 minutes to secure a free TV licence and other benefits