Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Paragraph: 61
It took the Government almost 10 months to respond to the consultation on decriminalisation of...
Recommendation
It took the Government almost 10 months to respond to the consultation on decriminalisation of TV licence fee evasion. Delays of this nature by DCMS in reforming other areas of broadcasting, such as prominence, would be of significant concern. Of more concern was that the long-delayed response simply provided further uncertainty. The issue of decriminalisation could be used as a bargaining tool by the Government during the ongoing licence fee settlement negotiations with the BBC and S4C, and thereby undermine one of the core principles of public service broadcasting: that it should be removed from Government interference. We call on the Government to provide assurances that the issue of decriminalisation will not be used as a bargaining tool during the ongoing licence fee settlement negotiations with the BBC and S4C. We also recommend that the Government conclude its further work on enforcement schemes, and publish its findings, by the end of the current parliamentary session.
Paragraph Reference:
61
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government is considering decriminalisation of TV licence evasion and other possible reforms to the licence fee system to increase fairness and proportionality within the broader context of the ongoing licence fee settlement. There were over 150,000 responses to the Government’s consultation and it was right to assess carefully the arguments made by respondents in determining the Government’s response. Responses to the consultation showed that a significant number of people oppose the criminal sanction with some highlighting the considerable stress and anxiety it can cause for individuals, including the most vulnerable in society, such as older people. This is more strongly noted for those with particular protected characteristics and the most vulnerable, recognising the additional stress and anxiety it can cause. For example, people aged 75 and over now eligible to pay for a TV licence—following the BBC’s decision of 10 June 2019 to limit eligibility for free licences—may now face worry and stress about the threat of a criminal prosecution. That is why the Government set out earlier this year that it is keeping the issue of decriminalisation under active consideration. It is one of many important issues that must remain an ongoing part of the Government’s wider roadmap for reform of the BBC, which also includes the ongoing licence fee settlement negotiations and the mid-term