The UK Government has dismissed an online petition demanding the “abolition” of the BBC TV licence fee for every household in the country. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) stated that the current administration is “committed” to maintaining the licence fee in its present form until the end of 2027, but will consider how to ensure the future funding of the BBC is both fair and sustainable.
Over 19,400 individuals have signed the e-petition in hopes of seeing the annual licence fee scrapped before it increases by £5 from the existing £169.50 to £174.50 in April. For the proposal to progress now, the petition would need to garner 100,000 signatures of support by May 28, 2025, at which point the Petitions Committee would consider it for debate in Parliament.
A written response on the petitions-parliament website read: “The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and the Prime Minister have committed to the licence fee for the remainder of the current Charter Period.”
“The BBC is a vital British asset and makes a huge contribution to lives up and down the country. It supports our democracy, brings our communities together, and helps to shape and define our nation through telling stories about the lives of people in all parts of the UK. Continuing to make that contribution, and deliver the obligations placed upon it, requires that the BBC receives ongoing and sustainable public funding.”
The DCMS has admitted to the evolution of the media environment and the varied ways in which people are consuming content, stating: “The forthcoming Charter Review is a key opportunity to set the BBC up for success long into the future. It will look at a range of issues and, as a priority for this Government, will start a national conversation to make sure the BBC truly represents and delivers for every person in this country. Charter Review will also look to uphold the BBC‘s independence and ensure that it maintains the trust of the public”, reports the Daily Record.
The statement continued to emphasise the importance of a sustainable funding mechanism for the BBC, asserting: “As we address these vital issues about the future form of the BBC, we must also ensure that there is a sustainable funding model that is fair for those who pay for it. The Government is keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee, but we are clear that the BBC‘s funding and its operation are inseparable.”
The Government is determined to resolve these critical matters during the Charter Review process, planning to work alongside the BBC and engage with other broadcasters and stakeholders within the UK creative sector. They also mentioned that the public will be invited to contribute to the Charter Review public consultation before the new Charter is enacted in 2028.
You can read the full response on the petitions-parliament website here. For information on TV licensing requirements, individuals are encouraged to consult the TV Licensing website.
The cost of a TV licence currently stands at £169.50, and there are several ways to pay for it. You can either pay the full amount in one go or opt for monthly payments.
Certain groups are eligible for discounts on their TV licence, including residents of care homes who may qualify for a free licence or a reduced fee under the Accommodation for Residential Care scheme. Blind individuals are also entitled to a 50% discount (£84.75) on their TV licence and may be eligible for refunds on previous payments if they were the registered licence holder.
Who needs to buy a TV licence?
- A TV licence is needed in the UK to watch or record any programmes as they are being broadcast live on television
- It is also required to watch or stream live programming on any online TV streaming service, such as BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Amazon prime and YouTube
You can check if you need a TV licence on the TV Licensing website here.
Ways to pay for a TV licence
A TV licence currently costs £169.50. You can pay it all in one go, or:
- Pay by monthly Direct Debit – from £14 per month
- Pay less for your licence if you’re over 75 on Pension Credit, registered blind, or live in a care home
- Pay by quarterly Direct Debit – it works out at around £44 per payment
- Pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly with a TV Licensing payment card (from £6.50 per week) – once the card is set up you can pay online, through the TV Licensing app, by phone, text message or at any PayPoint
Can I get a discount?
Certain groups are entitled to TV licence discounts such as those who live in care homes, who could get it for free or pay a reduced amount if they are part of an Accommodation for Residential Care scheme – find out more here.
