Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will hold discussions with the BBC on proposed changes to BBC local radio output.

The Government recognises the important role that radio plays in terms of the provision of local news and information, and of community engagement, and is disappointed that the BBC is planning to reduce parts of its local radio output.

The BBC is operationally and editorially independent from the government as set out in its Royal Charter, and decisions on service delivery are a matter for the BBC. However, I will be meeting with the BBC to raise the questions and concerns that MPs have in regard to the BBC’s planned changes to local radio in the near future.