TV Licence Fee: Sunak should focus on rising energy bills not attacking BBC

The Liberal Democrats have criticised Rishi Sunak for attacking the BBC instead of focusing on rising energy bills.

Over the weekend, it was reported that Rishi Sunak has told BBC bosses to be realistic about a TV licence fee increase in April.

Energy bills are due to rise by £94 from January to £1,928 for the typical household, compared to a potential licence fee hike of £14.

The government and BBC agreed a six-year licence fee settlement in January 2022, which froze the licence fee for two years with increases in line with inflation from 2024.

Liberal Democrat Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson Jamie Stone MP said:

“I am disappointed in Rishi Sunak’s decision to attack the BBC, an institution that is the backbone of our world-beating creative industries, rather than focusing on rising energy bills that are impacting families every month.  

“The Government should be focused on offering families support with their energy bills which are due to rise by £94 from January to £1,928 for the typical annual household bill.

"It is clear that this should be the priority for this Conservative Government. This just further proves how out of touch their party is."