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Streaming-Only Ruling Lets UK Households Cancel £174.50 TV Licence

Lee Stuart's case has clarified that on-demand streaming without live TV or BBC iPlayer requires no licence, prompting more than half a million households to cancel theirs.

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Overview

  • Lee Stuart successfully challenged a prosecution at Sefton Magistrates Court in June 2025 after proving he only streamed Netflix and Amazon Prime without live TV or BBC iPlayer.
  • The annual TV licence fee of £174.50 covers live television broadcasts and any use of BBC iPlayer.
  • Households relying solely on on-demand services such as Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video can legally cancel their licence and may claim refunds for unused periods.
  • Over 500,000 UK homes opted out of paying the licence last year as viewers reassessed their eligibility following the court decision.
  • Watching live broadcasts or using BBC iPlayer without a valid TV licence remains a criminal offence punishable by fines up to £1,000.