I believe in public service broadcasting.
The idea of a well-funded, independent broadcaster providing education, culture, news, and entertainment for everyone, regardless of income, is something worth protecting. That’s why I support the principle of the BBC.
But I don’t support the TV licence as a way to fund it.
A Flat Tax in Disguise
Right now, the licence fee is £174.50 a year. It’s the same for everyone, whether you’re a millionaire or struggling to make ends meet. That’s not fair.
It’s effectively a flat tax. Flat taxes always hit those with the least the hardest. In a cost-of-living crisis, expecting someone on minimum wage or Universal Credit to pay the same as someone on a six-figure salary makes no sense.
To make things worse, failure to pay can lead to criminal prosecution. Every year, thousands of people, mostly women, end up in court over this. It’s outdated and punitive.
There’s a Better Way
I think the BBC should be funded through general taxation. That would mean:
- Everyone still contributes, but those with more would pay more
- No need for aggressive letters or enforcement officers
- No criminal records for watching TV
- Lower admin costs
- A more equal and modern system
Several countries have already moved in this direction. Norway, Finland, and Sweden all fund their public broadcasters through income tax. The BBC could do the same if the political will existed.
It’s Not About Opting Out
To be clear, I don’t watch live TV or BBC iPlayer, so I don’t need a licence. But I shouldn’t have to keep declaring that. I don’t have to tell Netflix I’m not a customer, or Sky, or The Times. The BBC should be publicly funded, not presume everyone owes them unless proven otherwise.
I’ll always support public service broadcasting. Just not through a system that punishes the poor to protect the rich.
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