Thank you for contacting me about the BBC and the licence fee.
The licence fee has provided a method to cover the costs of the BBC, taking into account that the BBC is a unique fixture of British public service broadcasting. It has historically helped to maintain the independence of the BBC from commercial and political considerations.
However, we must as you say consider whether the licence fee is still fit for purpose. This includes considering whether it is the best model in the twenty-first century in which the number of households choosing not to hold a TV licence, or to watch live TV or other activities which require a TV licence, is declining rapidly.
Therefore, it seems clear that the licence fee is not sustainable in its current form, but the Charter Renewal process will need to address the government’s preferred alternative, which I will consider carefully when presented.
My colleague, Nigel Huddleston MP, Shadow Culture Secretary has called on the Government to expand its current policy proposals to consider the purpose, size, scope and scale of the BBC's operations, as well as reviewing funding sources as part of the current charter review.
The Government must ensure that the BBC has a long-term sustainable footing, but it must also be mindful of the current media landscape.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.