Thank you for contacting me about BBC funding.
The BBC has a unique place in our cultural heritage. I am pleased that the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has announced that the BBC will receive around £3.7 billion in licence fee funding in 2022 and £23 billion over the duration of the settlement period, following the announcement that the TV licence fee will be frozen at £159 until 2024 before rising in line with inflation for four years.
I am encouraged that this provides a fair settlement for the BBC and for licence fee payers. The settlement strikes the right balance between protecting households and allowing broadcasters to deliver their vital public responsibilities while also encouraging them to make further savings and efficiencies.
The current licence fee model will remain in place until 31 December 2027, as set out in the BBC's Royal Charter, and the Culture Secretary is required to set out funding for the corporation for the remainder of the period.
Later in 2022, as part of the broader reform of the BBC, I understand the Government will start to consider the overall governance and regulation of the BBC, whether the current arrangements are working effectively and whether reforms are necessary in the Mid-Term Review of the BBC’s Charter.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.