Students in Wales may be entitled to a £50 TV Licensing refund

As universities approach the end of term, TV Licensing is reminding cash-strapped students in Wales that they may be entitled to a refund worth over £50.

Since 1 April 2017, TV Licensing has changed the way refunds are calculated meaning that over 111,355 students in Wales packing up and moving home for the summer could be entitled to a refund just in time to celebrate the end of their exams.

Students can claim for any full months left on their licence; so if they bought their licence last October and moved out in May, they could receive a refund worth around £50.50. To qualify, students need to be leaving their halls or rented accommodation and be moving to a licensed address.

The refund comes just in time for students hoping to indulge in a hard-earned break from studying. With an average cost of pint of beer in Wales at £3.42¹, a four month refund means that there’s no excuse not to buy a round for long suffering housemates.

Applying for the TV Licence refund is simple and can be done online or over the phone. Students need to have their TV Licence details to hand and evidence to show their licence is no longer needed, such as a copy of the end of their tenancy agreement.

Fay Jones, spokesperson for TV Licensing in Wales, said:

“We’re encouraging all eligible students to take up the refund, which is quick and easy to apply for. It’s important students buy a TV Licence when starting university to take advantage of the flexible payment options and avoid a fine of up to £1,000.”

A licence is needed for watching and recording live television and watching or downloading BBC programmes on iPlayer. This applies whether using a TV set, laptop, mobile or any other equipment.

Izzy Lenga, NUS Vice President (Welfare) said:

“A TV Licence is valid for a whole year, so if students buy a licence in October they can apply for a refund when the academic year has finished, as they are no longer living in student accommodation. This is money that often students just can’t afford to miss out on and could go a long way in helping to cover the rising costs of living.”

To arrange a refund or change address, simply visit: www.tvlicensing.co.uk/studentinfo, or call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6113.

Breakdown of students and average pint price:

• Cardiff – 66,055 students, average pint price £3
• Swansea – 19,160 students, average pint price £2.60
• Bangor – 11,270 students, average pint price £3.30
• Aberystwyth – 8,455 students, average pint price £2.40
• Wrexham – 6,415 students, average pint price £3