In the past it was possible to avoid the TV Licence by avoiding live programming and using only catch-up services like BBC iPlayer.

However, the rules changed in September 2016, meaning the law requires everyone to pay the £154.50 annual fee for colour televisions, whether they are enjoying live programmes or those broadcast previously.

The last time the laws on television licensing had been updated was in 2004 and since then avalanches of new technology – iPads and other tablets, high-speed internet, smartphones, and more – have transformed our viewing habits.

The biggest change has been the roll-out of catch-up services such as BBC’s iPlayer and 4oD. These allow us to watch programmes after they’re broadcast, at any time that suits. And they had given rise to a loophole that could spare some households the cost of the licence.

However, the September 2016 rule change was designed to address the rise of catch-up services and means you still need a TV Licence, even if you're not watching live.

In June 2019 the BBC announced another tightening of its policies – that is will means-test free television licences for the over-75s, restricting them to those who receive pension credit.

The corporation said that maintaining the old scheme of giving free licences to everyone over 75 would necessitate the closure of BBC Two, BBC Four, BBC News and Radio 5 Live.