Menu
12/10/2005
Outrage at BBC licence fee 'stealth tax'
Politicians and consumer groups have expressed outrage over the BBC’s proposals to increase the licence fee over the rate of inflation from 2007.
Commenting on the proposals Tory Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Theresa May said: "Yet again another Labour stealth tax will hit the poorest in Britain. This is the latest in a long line of Gordon Brown's stealth taxes, and this time it is the licence fee payer who will have no choice but to foot the bill.
"Government has pressed ahead with the introduction of digital TV, yet it is of great concern that the rise in the licence fee does not take into account the £400-£600 million needed to ensure that vulnerable people, such as the elderly and severely disabled, are not left behind in the switch over to digital TV.
"At a time when licence fees are increasing, hardworking people should be able to expect better value for money from the BBC. As well as concerns about the quality of some of the services available on digital TV, the BBC is intending to spend an extra £330m relocating to Manchester, without making sufficient savings elsewhere. The public deserve greater reassurance that the BBC is providing value for their money."
Don Foster, Liberal Democrat Shadow DCMS Secretary, said: "Plans for more quality programmes, fewer repeats, expanded education provision, and access to programmes online and on demand are welcome.
"Achieving all this for a real terms increase of an extra 5 pence per week each year, seems good value and subject to close scrutiny of the details, we will support these proposals.
"But it's difficult to see why Licence Fee payers should pay for more than their fair share of the digital switchover. The licence fee must not become just another Government stealth tax. Viewers should be protected from a licence fee smash and grab.
"The Chancellor cannot treat the world's leading public service broadcaster as a cash cow to plug his growing deficit."
Chair of the Voice of the Listener & Viewer (VLV), Jocelyn Hay, said: "The move from analogue to digital television transmission is public policy. VLV agrees that the BBC, as the UK’s leading public service broadcaster should play the leading role in rolling out digital transmission and services. However, licence fee payers should not carry the full burden of the costs involved in paying for new equipment and its installation for vulnerable viewers.”
Hay said it was a "step too far" to "expect licence fee payers, via an increased licence fee, to pick up the costs for ‘vulnerable’ viewers".
She called on the Government to give "accurate figures as to what the numbers and costs will be".
(GB/SP)
Commenting on the proposals Tory Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Theresa May said: "Yet again another Labour stealth tax will hit the poorest in Britain. This is the latest in a long line of Gordon Brown's stealth taxes, and this time it is the licence fee payer who will have no choice but to foot the bill.
"Government has pressed ahead with the introduction of digital TV, yet it is of great concern that the rise in the licence fee does not take into account the £400-£600 million needed to ensure that vulnerable people, such as the elderly and severely disabled, are not left behind in the switch over to digital TV.
"At a time when licence fees are increasing, hardworking people should be able to expect better value for money from the BBC. As well as concerns about the quality of some of the services available on digital TV, the BBC is intending to spend an extra £330m relocating to Manchester, without making sufficient savings elsewhere. The public deserve greater reassurance that the BBC is providing value for their money."
Don Foster, Liberal Democrat Shadow DCMS Secretary, said: "Plans for more quality programmes, fewer repeats, expanded education provision, and access to programmes online and on demand are welcome.
"Achieving all this for a real terms increase of an extra 5 pence per week each year, seems good value and subject to close scrutiny of the details, we will support these proposals.
"But it's difficult to see why Licence Fee payers should pay for more than their fair share of the digital switchover. The licence fee must not become just another Government stealth tax. Viewers should be protected from a licence fee smash and grab.
"The Chancellor cannot treat the world's leading public service broadcaster as a cash cow to plug his growing deficit."
Chair of the Voice of the Listener & Viewer (VLV), Jocelyn Hay, said: "The move from analogue to digital television transmission is public policy. VLV agrees that the BBC, as the UK’s leading public service broadcaster should play the leading role in rolling out digital transmission and services. However, licence fee payers should not carry the full burden of the costs involved in paying for new equipment and its installation for vulnerable viewers.”
Hay said it was a "step too far" to "expect licence fee payers, via an increased licence fee, to pick up the costs for ‘vulnerable’ viewers".
She called on the Government to give "accurate figures as to what the numbers and costs will be".
(GB/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 February 2011
BBC Radio To 'Extend Its Distinctive Appeal'
A BBC Trust review has concluded that BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Radio 7 are much loved and highly valued by the millions of licence fee payers that listen every week.
BBC Radio To 'Extend Its Distinctive Appeal'
A BBC Trust review has concluded that BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 and Radio 7 are much loved and highly valued by the millions of licence fee payers that listen every week.
15 December 2010
BBC Strategy Review Seeks 'Transparency'
A new BBC strategy of greater transparency for all audiences has just been published by the BBC Trust. It also seeks to deliver more distinctive, high quality programmes, improved value for money and to hold on to the trust of licence fee payers.
BBC Strategy Review Seeks 'Transparency'
A new BBC strategy of greater transparency for all audiences has just been published by the BBC Trust. It also seeks to deliver more distinctive, high quality programmes, improved value for money and to hold on to the trust of licence fee payers.
11 October 2005
BBC seeks licence fee increase
The BBC is seeking an increased licence fee settlement to "ensure that it continues to deliver value to licence payers" as the Corporation moves towards a fully digital service. The BBC proposes a licence fee increase from April 2007 that is calculated on inflation plus 2.3% a year. Based on today's prices, this means £150.
BBC seeks licence fee increase
The BBC is seeking an increased licence fee settlement to "ensure that it continues to deliver value to licence payers" as the Corporation moves towards a fully digital service. The BBC proposes a licence fee increase from April 2007 that is calculated on inflation plus 2.3% a year. Based on today's prices, this means £150.
15 March 2006
Jowell announces 'unique' BBC Charter
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has published a white paper on the future of the BBC. Ms Jowell described the charter as a "unique solution for a unique organisation," with measures to put the licence fee payer at the heart of everything the BBC does.
Jowell announces 'unique' BBC Charter
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has published a white paper on the future of the BBC. Ms Jowell described the charter as a "unique solution for a unique organisation," with measures to put the licence fee payer at the heart of everything the BBC does.
08 March 2007
TV license fee to rise
TV licences are set to increase to £135.50 for a colour television and £45.50 for a black and white licence. The increase follows the latest BBC licence fee settlement announced in January. The licence fee will increase annually by 3% for the first two years and 2% in the third, fourth and fifth year.
TV license fee to rise
TV licences are set to increase to £135.50 for a colour television and £45.50 for a black and white licence. The increase follows the latest BBC licence fee settlement announced in January. The licence fee will increase annually by 3% for the first two years and 2% in the third, fourth and fifth year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
