You can pay for your BBC TV Licence every two weeks by applying for a TV Licensing payment card or enrolling in the Simple Payment Plan.
You can opt to pay for your TV licence every two weeks rather than it being a monthly bill(Image: PA)
Some households in the UK may have to pay for their BBC TV Licence on a fortnightly basis. According to TV Licensing rules, you can opt for fortnightly payments by either applying for a TV Licensing payment card or enrolling in the Simple Payment Plan.
These options allow you to spread the cost of your licence over smaller, regular payments. You can make your fortnightly payments using the payment card at PayPoint locations or online, over the phone, or through the TVL Pay app if you choose the Simple Payment Plan.
The cost of the TV licence has gone up recently, the total being £174.50. Paying this in one amount can be burdensome on personal finances, whereas the act of spreading the cost may help many households.
BirminghamLive reports Sorcha Eastwood, an Alliance MP asked Labour Party MP and Cabinet Member Lisa Nandy “if she will take steps to ensure that the TV licence payment structures are (a) transparent, (b) proportionate and (c) accessible to people who cannot afford to pay the licence fee in one lump sum”.
Stephanie Peacock, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth, said: “Television licences are issued on an annual basis and households can choose a variety of payment plans to spread the cost of the licence, including monthly and quarterly payment plans.
“New joiners to TV Licensing’s monthly direct debit scheme pay for their first licence over six months. This front-loading of payments is a requirement set out in legislation.
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“After the initial six months of joining the scheme, households pay towards their next licence through payments spread over 12 months.
“This is intended to reduce the BBC’s exposure to unexpected changes in its income that could result from households stopping their fee payments part-way through the year, and which could impact the BBC’s ability to deliver its services for the public.
“The Government recognises the financial difficulties faced by some households. This is why we announced a significant extension to the Simple Payment Plan to support more households by enabling them to split up the annual licence fee payment into more manageable fortnightly and monthly instalments.
“This payment plan does not require front-loading. The changes, which came into effect in February 2025, make a greater number of households eligible for the plan.
“The Secretary of State is a strong supporter of the BBC and has been clear that the BBC must be funded by a model that is sustainable and fair to all those who are paying for it.
“The Government is keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee, and the forthcoming Charter Review will provide an opportunity for the Government to consider the best possible funding model to set the BBC up for success long into the future.”
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