News story

9th July 2004

MP Consults Residents Over Future of the BBC

Northavon MP Steve Webb has launched a wide-ranging consultation with local residents over the future funding of the BBC. With the Government currently considering the future of the BBC, the MP is finding out what local people think, particularly about the future of the licence fee. The MP has already e-mailed over 2,500 local residents to ask their views but is also keen to hear from people who do not use e-mail.

The question that the MP is asking is whether the licence fee is the best way of paying for the BBC. At present, the licence fee is paid by most people who have a television except if there is someone in the household aged 75 or above, regardless of how much they watch the BBC. Apart from the discount for older pensioners, most other households have to pay the same amount, regardless of income.

Other models of paying for the BBC that have been considered include a direct grant from general tax revenue (instead of a specific licence fee), or the use of advertising or programme sponsorship. Another approach which is used in America is to invite voluntary subscriptions from people who value the "public service" output of the BBC.

Steve Webb said he had already had hundreds of responses from local people giving their views by e-mail but would welcome further responses. Local people who want to register their views can either write to the MP at Poole Court, Yate BS37 5PP or can send an e-mail stevewebb@cix.co.uk.

Once all the responses have been received and analysed, the MP said he would be writing to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport to make sure that they were aware of how South Gloucestershire residents felt about the issue.

Click here for a background briefing on BBC funding