Students may be due aTV windfall

Students are being reminded to find out if they are entitled to a TV licence refund.

Anyone packing up and moving home for the summer may be able to get extra holiday spending money in the form of a refund.

Since April 1, TV Licensing has changed the way refunds are calculated to make it easier for customers to apply.

This means many of the 235,565 people currently studying at Sc o t t i s h universities could benefit from a refund as they can now claim for any full months left on their licence.

If students bought their licence last October and moved out in May, they could receive a refund worth around £48.50.

In order to qualify, students need to be leaving their halls or rented accommodation and be moving to a licensed address.

Applying 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.

Caroline McCourt , spokesperson for TV Licensing, said: “Applying for a refund is quick and easy and we encourage all students who are eligible to take advantage of it.

“It is important students buy a TV licence at the earliest opportunity when starting university to take advantage of the flexible payment options available to them 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.

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