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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the cost of the BBC TV licence in terms of the general cost of living.

The cost of the licence fee will rise in line with inflation on 1 April, to provide the BBC with a stable financial footing to deliver for audiences and support the wider creative industries.

The Government recognises the financial difficulties being faced by households and is committed to ensuring the BBC’s funding model is sustainable, fair and affordable. To support the public with the cost of the TV licence, we will also continue to support the Simple Payment Plan to spread payments through smaller instalments. Free licences remain available for over-75s on Pension Credit, with reduced fees for care home residents and blind individuals.

The ongoing Charter Review will ensure the BBC is sustainably and fairly funded to provide value for licence fee payers and drive growth, opportunity and good jobs across the country.