Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 29
29
Accepted
BBC demonstrates progress in relocating spend and staff through its \
Recommendation
On Across the UK, we drew attention to a prior Public Accounts Committee finding in 2024 that the BBC had “begun implementing its programme without a clear plan and could not readily explain the expected impact and benefits for licence fee payers,” and invited the BBC to set out its plan and benefits.69 The BBC told us the plan was to move £700 million of spend out of London, with a forecast of £830 million by 2027–28, and £412 million already moved, and more than 400 FTEs relocated. It also reported that 61% of network TV spend was now outside London, and network audio spend was at 46% (on track for 50% by 2027–28), alongside delivery of 100 scripted titles, including 20 in the nations.70 On outcomes, the BBC said it was tracking two benefit streams: audience perception, and regional economic impact. It cited an uptick in audience engagement in the north of England as output had shifted, and highlighted an expected £282 million GVA over a decade in the West Midlands, supported by formal partnership agreements with local authorities and clustering in Digbeth.71
Government Response Summary
BBC will share information on an annual basis as part of the BBC Annual Report and Accounts which identifies the level of investment in its content from the Nations and Regions of the UK as well as audience data; target date 2026.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
6. PAC conclusion: The BBC is a trusted institution but its relevance across the UK is under pressure. 6. PAC recommendation: As part of its response to this report, and in its Annual Report and Accounts, the BBC should clearly communicate how its Across the UK programmes and other initiatives will lead to better representation of the UK’s local communities, to sustain trust and relevance in the future. 6.1 The BBC agrees with the recommendation. Target implementation date: 2026 aligned with BBC Annual Report and Accounts publication, and to expand further in subsequent years. 6.2 The BBC welcomes the view of the Committee that it has responded to its past recommendations and that the key benefits of the programme are now clearly quantified. The BBC has responded in full to the Committee’s previous recommendations. 6.3 Improving the audience portrayal is one of the key driving forces and benefits of the Across the UK programme. To date, the BBC has moved significant network programming and commissioning to the devolved nations and regions of England. The BBC believes that this has led to a greater diversity of voice and perspective in its content, representing more regions from across the UK, as well as investment in regional creative economies. The BBC intends to build on this as it develops its future plans. 6.4 The BBC has also increased the level of content commissioning from the Nations and Regions for Network services which has ensured greater representation of all parts of the UK on BBC services. In December 2025, the BBC announced it will reprioritise its budget to double investment in portrayal content from 2027/28. Improving audience portrayal and relevance is a long-term process, but the BBC is encouraged by early improvements in the Midlands and across the North of England as noted by the Committee. It has seen audiences to Nations’ content grow as the portrayal commissioning builds in its impact and value. 6.5 However, there is further work to do to ensure that the BBC increases its relevance, reach and impact across every Nation and Region in the UK. The BBC will use audience measurement developed as part of the Across the UK programme to inform future 47 commissioning priorities and decision-making, as well as the BBC’s corporate priorities in the longer-term. The BBC has also announced in December 2025 that it plans to move more Commissioners to bases across the UK. 6.6 The BBC can commit to sharing further information on an annual basis as part of the BBC Annual Report and Accounts which identifies the level of investment in its content from the Nations and Regions of the UK as well as audience data. 6.7 The BBC notes the Committee’s comments on changes within BBC Local and the importance of smaller communities staying connected to the BBC. While the BBC Local strategy differs from Across the UK: Local Value for All, both share the goal of improving audience performance and ensuring BBC content remains relevant to all licence fee payers. 6.8 The BBC recognises that change can be challenging, particularly as content evolves to meet shifting audience habits in a digital world. All Local Radio stations continue to provide bespoke weekday Breakfast and Mid-Morning programmes - where audiences are strongest - alongside local news bulletins and sports coverage. The BBC remains fully committed to serving local communities and strengthening the performance of its services.