Cash-strapped students in Dumbarton are being reminded they could be entitled to a refund worth £50 on their TV licence.

In 2017, TV Licensing changed the way refunds are calculated to make it easier for customers to apply.

This means more students can benefit from a refund as they can now claim for any full months left on their licence.

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

And if students bought their licence last October and moved out in May, they could receive up to £50.16.

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

Fergus Reid, spokesperson for TV Licensing in Scotland, said: “Many students are unaware that they can claim a refund on their TV Licence when returning home for the summer and so could be missing out on an extra £50 in their pockets.

“Applying for a refund is quick and easy and we encourage all students who are eligible, or their parents in some cases, to take advantage of it.

“It is important that students needing a TV Licence purchase one at the earliest opportunity when starting university or college 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 programmes as they’re being shown on TV or live on an online TV service, as well as downloading or watching BBC programmes on iPlayer.

This applies to any provider and any device, including a TV, desktop computer, laptop, mobile phone, tablet, games console, digital box or DVD/VHS recorder.

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