Do you need a TV licence for a static caravan?
Depending on the circumstances, you may need a static caravan TV licence. It’s good to be clear, as over 1,000 people are prosecuted in the UK every week for not having one when they should.
What is the TV licence for?
The licence pays for programs made and aired on BBC TV channels, radio stations, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds, and online services.
The BBC is independent and does not allow advertising on its channels to generate revenue. Instead, £3.74 billion every year is paid to the government in licencing fees, which is then passed on to the BBC as a Grant-in-aid from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
UK law states you must have a TV licence to watch or record TV on any device, including live TV on any channel and online TV services such as BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub or Netflix.
Failure to purchase a TV licence may result in a fine of up to £1000.
When do I need a TV licence?
A TV licence is needed for your main residence. In most cases, this is your home. But it might be a static caravan if you live in one all year round.
If you use your static caravan for holidays, you’ll need a separate TV licence with one exception:
If your main residence has a TV licence and is vacant when you are on holiday, then your licence covers watching TV in your static. This is because you can’t watch devices in two places simultaneously.
However, you’ll need to complete a non-simultaneous use declaration form and send it to the TV licensing department in Darlington. You can download the form from the column on the right.
Signing the form means you make the following declaration:
- Only the people covered by the TV Licence at my home address use television receiving equipment at the above static caravan, mobile home or moveable chalet.
- Television receiving equipment is never used at both places at the same time.
When am I not covered by non-simultaneous use?
There are times when the non-simultaneous use exemption isn’t valid.
One example is if you are in your static on holiday, but another family member, such as a son or daughter, uses a TV or digital device in your home; this is classed as simultaneous use. Another example is if you let other people stay in your static caravan for free or rented.
In all these cases, you are liable for a fine if you don’t have a separate TV licence in your static caravan.
How much is a TV licence for a static caravan?
A standard colour TV licence costs £159 for 12 months. You can pay a licence in full, quarterly or monthly by direct debit.
For more information or to buy a licence, visit: https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/