BBC licence fee could be replaced with new payment system

The BBC licence fee could be replaced with a new payment system allowing viewers to choose a ‘tiered level’ of access to its output. 

Ministers are considering a new funding model in which only those who want complete use of the BBC’s TV, radio, web and apps availability would pay the full levy.  

It comes after Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan said the broadcaster needed to find a way of keeping its funding relevant.

And in the age of streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon, the tier model is posed as a possible solution.  

The tier payment model was one consideration ‘in the mix’ in Whitehall, according to the Daily Telegraph.

And by issuing passwords, the broadcaster could limit access to various parts of the BBC for people on different levels of payment, the report said. 

Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan said the broadcaster needed to find a way of keeping its funding relevant

BBC director general Tony Hall will ‘play a huge part’ in how the public service broadcaster is funded

A senior government source said Prime Minister Boris Johnson will appoint a new culture secretary next week and it will be for them to decide on the BBC payment plan.  

They added how the replacement for BBC director general Tony Hall will ‘play a huge part’ in how the public service broadcaster is funded.  

BBC iPlayer users currently have to register for the free service with a password to use similar to Netflix and other subscription services. 

And the corporation would be able to cut people off who failed to pay the licence fee in a similar way to electricity firms, instead of pursuing them through criminal courts.      

The corporation would be able to cut people off who failed to pay the licence fee in a similar way to electricity firms, instead of pursuing them through criminal courts