Closed petition Abolish the tv licence
We think the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is losing its popularity and we shouldn't be forced to fund it.
This petition is closed All petitions run for 6 months
37,663 signatures
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Government responded
This response was given on 12 December 2024
The Government has committed to the licence fee for the current BBC Charter Period, up to the end of 2027. Charter Review will consider how we ensure future funding of the BBC is fair and sustainable.
Read the response in full
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and the Prime Minister have committed to the licence fee for the remainder of the current Charter Period.
The BBC is a vital British asset and makes a huge contribution to lives up and down the country. It supports our democracy, brings our communities together, and helps to shape and define our nation through telling stories about the lives of people in all parts of the UK. Continuing to make that contribution, and deliver the obligations placed upon it, requires that the BBC receives ongoing and sustainable public funding.
As the media landscape undergoes the next generational shift, the BBC too must adapt and be supported to do so. The forthcoming Charter Review is a key opportunity to set the BBC up for success long into the future. It will look at a range of issues and, as a priority for this Government, will start a national conversation to make sure the BBC truly represents and delivers for every person in this country. Charter Review will also look to uphold the BBC’s independence and ensure that it maintains the trust of the public.
As we address these vital issues about the future form of the BBC, we must also ensure that there is a sustainable funding model that is fair for those who pay for it. The Government is keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee, but we are clear that the BBC's funding and its operation are inseparable.
The Government will be taking forward this issue as part of the Charter Review process. We will work closely with the BBC, and engage with other broadcasters, stakeholders across the creative industries as well as the British public to inform our thinking. This will include the opportunity for stakeholders and audiences across the country to respond to the Charter Review public consultation before the new Charter comes into effect in 2028.
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Related activity
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BBC Funding: debate in Parliament
On 18 December, MPs debated the future funding of the BBC in Parliament.
This was a Westminster Hall debate led by Sir John Whittingdale MP. Culture, Media and Sport Minister Stephanie Peacock MP responded on behalf of the Government.
Explainer
Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to debate a topic of their choice, and receive a response from the Government.
They are a way to:
• Raise awareness of an issue
• Seek to influence government policy
• Put the views of a backbench MPs, political parties, and the Government on record.They do not involve a vote on a particular action or decision.
See our visual explainer on how these debates work.
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BBC Charter renewal: debate and consultation
The Government has launched a public consultation on the BBC Charter renewal. A debate on the matter was also recently held in Parliament.
Debate
On 6 January, MPs took part in a debate on the BBC Charter Renewal.
This was a Westminster Hall debate led by Sir John Whittingdale MP.
Culture Minister, Stephanie Peacock MP, responded on behalf of the Government.
Explainer:
Westminster Hall debates give MPs an opportunity to debate a topic of their choice, and receive a response from the Government.
They are a way to:
- raise awareness of an issue
- seek to influence government policy
- put the views of backbench MPs, political parties, and the Government on record.
They do not involve a vote on a particular action or decision.
See our visual explainer on how these debates work.
Government consultation
The Government is consulting the public on the terms for the BBC Charter’s renewal, and any changes needed to help the BBC continue to serve the public.
The Charter Review is the process by which the government sets the BBC’s Mission, Public Purposes, governance arrangements, and funding model for the next Charter period, due to begin in January 2028.
Respond to the consultation by 11:59pm on 10 March 2026.
It includes questions on:
- the BBC’s Mission and Public Purposes;
- how the BBC operates as an institution, including its governance arrangements and workplace culture;
- how the BBC delivers services such as news and technology for the public good;
- how the BBC drives economic growth across the UK, including through its commissioning and partnerships, and how the market impact of its decisions is regulated;
- how the BBC is funded.
After the consultation has closed, the Government will publish a summary of the responses.
More information
The consultation is being run by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
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