Sammy Wilson warns BBC licence fee hike in pandemic ‘hitting poorest hardest’

The DUP representatives called for a re-think over funding for the broadcaster and was particularly scathing of the increase in the fee, which is set by the government, during the ongoing pandemic.

From April 1, the licence fee will increase from £157.50 to £159. Those who are buying or renewing a TV licence after April 1, 2021 will have to pay the new fee, while those who already buy a licence on an instalment scheme which started before this date will continue to make payments totalling £157.50 until their licence comes up for renewal.

The cost of an annual black and white licence will rise from £53.00 to £53.50.

Mr Wilson said: “At a time when family budgets are stretched and people are losing their jobs, the BBC have decided to increase the license fee by nearly three times the rate of inflation.

“This yearly poll tax on everyone who owns a TV is entirely regressive, hitting the poorest in our society hardest.

“Meanwhile, this spineless Tory Government refuses to remove non-payment of the licence fee from the list of criminal offences or to consider a new funding model for the corporation.”

Mr Wilson went on to urge the government “to stop and rethink” its policy towards the financing of the BBC.

Click here to read: Cost of annual TV Licence fee is increasing from April - what you need to know

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