The BBC has given its response to the UK Government’s (DCMS) consultation on their proposal to decriminalise TV licence fee evasion, which among other things includes a suggestion that the fee could be replaced by a levy or tax on top of broadband bills.
At present a colour TV licence costs £157.50 per year (up £3 on the previous fee) and a black and white licence costs £53 (up £1), while those who are blind (severely sight impaired) can apply for a 50% concession on that charge. Currently payment is court-enforced and can attract a criminal sanction if somebody fails to pay and can result in jail time for those affected.
The BBC remains in favour of the current system and points to independent behavioural research, commissioned by the broadcaster itself, which suggests that under any civil system evasion would increase to around 10%. All told the broadcaster suggests this could cost them around £300m (or £1bn over the remainder of the Charter period from 2022 to 2027).
Significant cuts to programmes and services would be “inevitable” in a civil system, said the BBC. On top of that a civil system would not be without consequence, which they warned could result in those who evade it being left with the “threat of bailiffs at the door or impact on credit ratings.”
BBC Statement:
We recognise that the current system of collection by TV Licensing could be improved – and the BBC is happy to work with Government on proposals – such as more effective access to data and extending the simple payment plan scheme to help more people, particularly the most vulnerable and those on lower incomes.
And whilst we can of course understand why some people are attracted to a civil system, we agree with the Government’s own list of significant difficulties as set out in its consultation. This includes higher evasion and higher penalties.
It is likely that a civil system would hit the poorest hardest as there is no discretion built into the system. Unlike in the magistrates’ courts, where the court decides on the level of the fine, there is no discretion to vary the size of the fixed penalty. It is just that, fixed. The only discretion is to establish how the penalty should be paid.
This will have a significant impact on those on lowest incomes and the most vulnerable in society where the threat of bailiffs at the door or impact on credit ratings have serious consequences. We cannot see how these issues could be mitigated and deliver an effective sanction at the same time.
However, in its response to the Government’s consultation, the BBC has also said that they’re willing to consider alternative funding models, such as one linked directly to an existing household bill.
Extract from the BBC’s Response
In some countries the TV licence, or equivalent, is linked directly to an existing common household bill. For example it is collected through electricity bills in Italy and the equivalent of council tax bills in France. Another option to consider as the UK progresses towards universal access could be broadband bills.
This would be a significant change for the UK and we are not, at this stage, advocating it. It does however raise an interesting question as to whether the current system could be made much simpler, more efficient and more automated. We are open to exploring this further.
Many on social media have responded to this with absolute disgust and disdain. Dave from Sheffield said: “How dare they when this virus is happening. I have already cancelled my licence I suggest you should do to.” Annette from Cornwall said: “Yet another stealth tax proposal while Lineker is paid millions. SICK!”
Lead Correspondent | David Clews is the Lead Correspondent for UNN, with over 20 years of political/campaigning experience and a wealth of social media and communication skills David gets to the heart of what is really important to the real people of the UK.
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