TV licence payers are hurrying to cancel their subscriptions in the anticipation of a rule change set for April. The TV licence fee will go up from £169.50 to £174.50 beginning April 1, though many individuals will not be affected by this increase.
In response to the news on social media, one person expressed anger: "People can manage quite happily without it. We live in an age of on demand entertainment. There is little need for live TV when you can watch catch-up (except on iPlayer) without the need to pay the BBC tax - of which a huge sum is spent on enforcement, given the number of threatening letters they send out each month to non-payers."
Another user was sceptical about the allocation of funds: "all well and good but the money is not being spent on programming is it. Nope -- no reason the BBC needs more than 5 billion - and Reeves has postponed the spending review -- so really no government department increases can be allowed until that is done."
Calls for reform came from another, stating, "A sensible MP would decriminalise the licence fee and then make the BBC subscription only == easy. - lots of choice .. the people can then decide and it won't be a #tax anymore - not difficult at all and very fair."
A further comment levelled criticism at the Labour Party: "Of course Labour want you to pay for the BBC: It is their tame mouthpiece. Just watch Question Time if you want proof. The Beeb is not fit for purpose and should go independent. They will soon find out how popular they are. SCRAP THE LICENSE FEE NOW:", reports Birmingham Live.
One critic remarked: "The BBC may be much needed as a propaganda arm for the Labour Party. The rest of us can live without it, thank you very much."
Those caught performing any of the above activities without a proper licence could face legal action and a potential fine of up to £1,000, not to mention possible legal expenses and compensation they might be required to pay. Individuals must still purchase a TV Licence if necessary.
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