A petition calling for the BBC licence fee not to be extended to subscribers of rival streaming services has received a Government response, amid growing questions over how the broadcaster will be funded in future.
The petition, which has attracted 18,418 signatures, warns that households could face extra costs if ministers decide to extend the licence fee to people who subscribe to streaming platforms not owned or operated by the BBC.
Campaigner Alec Burns, who created the petition, argues the move would be "wholly unacceptable", particularly during the cost-of-living crisis.
The petition, which can still be signed, states: "Amid a cost-of-living crisis, we believe the Government should be finding ways to save the public money, not expanding their means of taxation."
It also claims the BBC already has a "tarnished reputation" and warns that extending the charge could further damage public confidence in the broadcaster.
The Government has now responded, confirming it is considering a range of options for the BBC's future funding but stressing that no final decisions have been taken.
Government responds to BBC licence fee fears
In its response, published on November 2, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said ministers were considering feedback from a public consultation on the BBC Charter Review Green Paper.
It said: "The Government is keeping an open mind on the future funding of the BBC and no decisions have been taken at this stage."
The response added that ongoing policy development was looking at the potential impact of different funding arrangements on households, consumers, investment and the wider creative economy.
Ministers said the BBC remained a "vital national institution" which informs, educates and entertains audiences across the UK.
The Government also highlighted the broadcaster's contribution to the UK's creative industries, saying it supports jobs and growth across the nations and regions.
It pointed to research from the Reuters Institute, which found that 59% of UK respondents trusted BBC News in 2026, making it one of the country's most trusted news brands.
However, ministers acknowledged that viewing habits have changed significantly as more people turn to streaming services and other ways of watching television.
The Government said: "The changing media market and audience viewing habits mean the Charter Review needs to consider whether the current funding model remains suitable for the future."
It also revealed that the total number of TV licences in force has fallen by three million since 2017/18.
Could the BBC licence fee change?
The Government confirmed it is looking at several options to ensure the BBC has sustainable funding in the years ahead.
These include making the broadcaster operate more efficiently, generating more commercial revenue and potentially reforming the licence fee itself.
Ministers also acknowledged concerns about the cost of the charge for households already struggling with their finances.
The response said: "We understand that ensuring the licence fee is affordable is important."
It added that the Government wanted to keep costs as low as possible for households while ensuring the BBC had the resources it needed to continue providing its services.
The response did not confirm whether people subscribing to non-BBC streaming platforms could eventually be required to pay the licence fee.
Instead, ministers stressed that they were still considering consultation responses and engaging with stakeholders.
A White Paper setting out the Government's plans for the BBC's future is expected before the end of 2026.
Recommended reading:
- Calls to cut state pension age to 65 and free up jobs for younger workers grow
- Blue Badge drivers could face unexpected fines despite having a permit
- Martin Lewis breaks down new pension tax rules with £13,037 threshold
What help is available with the TV licence fee?
The Government also highlighted existing support for households struggling to pay the annual licence fee.
Since February 2025, more households have been eligible for the Simple Payment Plan, allowing them to spread the cost through weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments.
Other support includes:
- Free TV licences: Available to households where someone aged 75 or over receives Pension Credit.
- Reduced fees: Available for qualifying care homes.
- Blind or severely sight-impaired people: Eligible for a reduced licence fee.
Ministers said the Charter Review was also considering whether further concessions or alternative payment schedules could better reflect different household circumstances.
Share