TV licence fee statistics

This page is a short summary of the full PDF briefing TV licence fee statistics

Licence fee revenues were under £3.90 billion in 2025

TV License fee revenues in 2024/25 were £3.84 billion which was higher than the 2023/24 figure of £3.66 billion(in cash terms).

Source: BBC Annual Reports and Accounts, various years

The licence fee accounted for 65% of BBC funding in 2024/25

Total BBC income in 2024/25 was £5.90 billion, 65% of which came from the licence fee revenues. The remaining 35% or £2.06 billion came from commercial and other activities (such as grants, royalties and rental income).

Estimated TV licence evasion rate rose from 6.95% in 2019/20 to 12.52% in 2024/25

Source: BBC Trust Statement, various years

The BBC estimates that the evasion rate rose from 12.04% in 2023/24 to 12.52% in 2024/25. The main drivers for this increase have been attributed to changing viewing habits, a slowing of household growth and cost of living pressures.

The TV Licence fee in the UK was the 4th highest compared to other countries in Europe

The TV Licence fee amount in the UK was ranked 4th highest by the European Broadcasting Union compared to other European countries as of January 2024. The average fee paid in EU countries was 116 Euros.

Source:European Broadcasting Union, Public Version:Licence Fee, February 2025

Additional information

Detailed information about TV licence fee collection, concessions and complaints is available on the TV licencing website.