Government Responds to Calls to Abolish TV Licence Fee for All Households

The UK Government has dismissed an online petition's proposals to "abolished" the BBC TV licence fee for every household nationwide. According to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the present government is "committed" to keeping the licence fee in its current state until the end of 2027 but "will consider how we ensure future funding of the BBC is fair and sustainable".

Over 19,400 people have signed the e-petition, seeking abolition of the annual licence fee before it is increased from USD 178.5 to USD 183.30 in April by USD 5.25. For the proposal to progress now, the petition would need to garner 100,000 signatures of support by May 28, 2025, at which point it will be considered by the Petitions Committee for a parliamentary debate.

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."

According to credentials, The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has acknowledged the changing media landscape and the new ways in which people are engaging with content. It stated, "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."

Further, highlighting the importance of a sustainable funding model: "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." it added.

Furthermore, the DCMS expressed that the Government will actively involve various stakeholders in the process, "The Government will be taking forward this issue as part of the Charter Review process. We will work closely with the BBC, and engage with other broadcasters, stakeholders across the creative industries as well as the British public to inform our thinking. This will include the opportunity for stakeholders and audiences across the country to respond to the Charter Review public consultation before the new Charter comes into effect in 2028."