Raging Brits have vowed to 'immediately' cancel their TV licences amid reports that a new law could be introduced
UK households are in a rush to cancel their BBC TV Licence to avoid a £174 charge under new regulations. The Labour Party government is said to be contemplating a rule change that would require people to pay the TV licence fee even if they only use streaming services, as part of the Government's plans to alter the funding model for the public-service broadcaster, according to Bloomberg.
From April 2024, the TV Licence fee, which funds BBC TV services and other public service functions like Welsh channel S4C, will be set at £169.50 annually, or roughly £14 monthly via Direct Debit, with an increase to £174.50 next year. "Why should I pay to subscribe on Netflix/Disney/Prime/NOW and then pay for a BBC TV licence that I don't use or need? Madness that," one individual vented on X .
Another shared their disapproval, saying: "Sorry, but no. People already pay to use these services," they added. A third person declared: "I will cancel my Netflix account immediately. I don't pay for a licence already as I don't watch live broadcast," reports Birmingham Live. Meanwhile, another commented: "Why should I pay a fee to NOT watch your services when I'm already paying for the subscriptions?". A TV Licence is legally required if you watch or record television on any channel through any TV service , view live content on streaming platforms or access BBC iPlayer in any capacity.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has revealed that she's "already started initial discussions with the BBC leadership about the Charter Review", aiming to "future-proof our national broadcaster until well into the latter half of this century". Additionally, the Labour Party minister and Cabinet member confirmed earlier this week that the Government is not contemplating funding the BBC through general taxation.
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