Former BBC Chairman Suggests Means Testing TV Licence Fee

With the BBC exploring alternative methods of funding, the former chairman has suggested means testing the TV licence fee.

Richard Sharp, 68, who was chairman of the BBC Board until his resignation last April last, made the ludicrous suggestion during an interview for The Today podcast.

He said that everyone should "have the opportunity to consume BBC content", which he claimed was "very good value" for money.

The annual TV licence fee is currently £159 (increasing to £169.50 on 1st April 2024), which works out more expensive than a stardard ad-free Netflix subscription.

But comparing the two is like comparing apples and oranges, according to the former BBC man.

"You know, Netflix doesn't provide sport, Netflix doesn't provide radio, Netflix doesn't provide local radio, Netflix doesn't provide a news website - doesn't provide world service or news at all," said Sharp.

When questioned about future scope for means testing the licence fee, he added: "I do believe there is an opportunity to have some limited differential in terms of how consumers pay for it, where the lower incomes still have the opportunity to benefit from the BBC at a lower threshold."

"I think most people would understand the importance, particularly now if you look at the pressures the cost of living has had on lower income households who are really struggling, they should have the opportunity in their homes to consume BBC content - at potentially a rate that may be less than those people who are well off."

Sharp suggested council tax or broadband rates could be used to determine the TV licence fee paid by households.

Sharp's comments come just a few days after the BBC unveilled its Annual Plan for 2024/25, part of which is to increase alternative revenue streams.

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