Netflix raises its prices in the UK as country enters third lockdown

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Netflix is set to increase its UK subscription prices from February, with England in the midst of its third national lockdown.

The rises, first mooted in December, will affect its Standard and Premium Plans, with the Basic Plan remaining at a cost of £5.99 per month.

It has now begun to inform customers of the imminent increases to the costs of their plans, though some consumer organisations have criticised the mid-lockdown timing of the rise.

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The Standard Plan — offering two simultaneous devices and HD streaming — will rise by a pound from £8.99/month to £9.99/month.

Meanwhile, the Premium Plan — offering ultra HD content and four simultaneous devices — is set for a £2 increase from £11.99/month to £13.99/month.

Netflix said the price increase will enable it to invest even more money on British productions than its already hefty spend on this side of the Atlantic.

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The service said: "This year we're spending over $1bn [£736m] in the UK on new, locally-made films, series and documentaries, helping to create thousands of jobs and showcasing British storytelling at its best — with everything from The Crown, to Sex Education and Top Boy, plus many, many more.

"Our price change reflects the significant investments we've made in new TV shows and films, as well as improvements to our product."

UK price comparison site Uswitch, however, criticised the service for the timing of its announcement given the importance of streaming consumption during lockdown.

The company’s streaming and TV expert Nick Baker told the BBC that the increase presents an “unwanted extra expense” for already stretched households.

He added: "It's unfortunate timing that this price hike coincides with another national lockdown, when all of us will be streaming more television and films than ever."

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All Netflix customers will imminently be given notification of the price rise and will be able to cancel their subscription without incurring a penalty.

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