Warning issued about TV licence rules as 76 people await trial

There are 76 people awaiting trial for non-payment

Currently, a standard TV licence costs £174.50.

Not everyone needs one, but there are many people across the country who are illegally streaming TV without the correct licence.

Most defendants who are awaiting trial are aged 45 to 64, with only one person under 25.

When do you need to have a TV licence?

If you watch any of the following, you need to have a TV licence.

• All TV channels like BBC or ITV, including international channels
• Pay TV services like Sky
• Live TV on streaming services including YouTube and Netflix
• BBC iPlayer

What happens if you don't have a TV licence?

There are some individuals who do not need to get a licence as they are exempt. You can find out if you are exempt by visiting the TV Licensing website.

However, for most of us, a licence is required - and if you don't have one, there's lots of steps that you have to happen before individuals face prosecution.

"Prosecution is a last resort. We want to help you avoid this," the TV Licensing Agency says.

Initially, you will be sent letters informing you that you need a licence. You can declare that you don't need one, if you are watching only things that are not covered by the licence fee.

If you ignore these letters, a TV licensing officer can visit your home to inspect what technology you have, and ask you questions about what you have been watching.

After a visit, officials then decide whether you need a licence or not, and will provide you with a payment plan if needed.

Known as an out-of-court disposal, the payment plan proposal will arrive in writing.

"However, if you're offered an out of court disposal and you don't buy a TV Licence or keep up with your payments, you could be prosecuted," the authority says.

Things can then proceed to the next level of legal action if you still fail to pay for your licence.

If court finds you guilty, you can receive a fine of up to £1,000, or £2,000 for Guernsey residents.

You can't be sent to prison for refusing to pay your licence fee, however it is warned: "The court may decide to send you to prison for deliberately refusing to pay your court fines."