Clementi Blocks Release of BBC TV Licence Fee Collection Strategy

The outgoing Chairman of the BBC Executive Board, Sir David Clementi, has personally blocked the release of documents outlining the Corporation's TV licence fee collection strategy.

The information was requested by The Times newspaper (original article behind paywall here, text of article reproduced in full here) under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

The document sets out the BBC's efforts for maximising TV licence fee revenue at a time when the broadcaster claims to be facing a financial black hole.

In a three-page refusal notice, Clementi argued that the BBC Board must have a "safe space" to consider TV licence policy, and publication of the documents would "hinder candid deliberation of strategic issues".

Clementi wrote that releasing the information could "result in increased speculation, media attention or pressure from external parties and, ultimately, divert resources from dealing with the BBC's ongoing efforts to devise fair and effective policies".

The 71-year-old former investment banker acknowledged the public interest in the BBC's finances, but said that these were outweighed by the public interest in allowing BBC staff to advise the Board "freely and candidly."

He noted that the TV licence fee was likely to remain "a prominent and controversial issue", but said "sensitive information" must remain private in the interests of "good decision making" - not that the BBC knows much about that.

Richard Sharp, a former Government advisor, will replace Clementi as BBC Chairman in a fortnight's time. MPs have already warned Sharp that they want to see an improvement in the BBC's level of transparency and accountability when he takes the reins.

Speaking on Clementi's decision to refuse disclosure, a BBC spokesman said: "This document covers detailed policy advice provided to the BBC Board for consideration. On that basis, the request was declined in line with the terms of the relevant legislation."

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