Doubly bubbly: BBC spends TWICE as much on prosecco

THE BBC more than doubled its spending on prosecco and other sparkling wine last year despite claims of hardship.

Figures reveal that the corporation spent a total of £24,700 on alcohol in the year to the end of March 2019 – an increase of more than 20 per cent on the £20,184 spent the previous year.

A Freedom of Information request showed that spending by executives on prosecco and other sparkling wine went up from £2,631 in 2017-2018 to £5,500 in 2018-2019.

Staff were banned from buying champagne in 2012 after spending had reached ‘crazy levels’ of around £56,000 in 2007/08.

While spending last year on wine and beer was only slightly up on the previous year – at £12,535 and £5,340 respectively – the amount paid for spirits rose sharply from £235 to £1,328.

The figures have emerged after it was claimed that the corporation will not be able to afford to pay for free TV licences for the over 75s.

The BBC is removing the benefit from 3.7million pensioners this year as it takes on financial responsibility from the Government. But lowincome households where one person receives pension credit will still be eligible for a free licence.

While the figures predate the corporation’s free TV licences announcement, they come amid concerns from the broadcaster that it does not have enough money to compete with US rivals such as Netflix and Amazon.

The BBC used to spend significantly more on alcohol. In 2007/08 its total bill was £118,600.

A BBC spokesman said: ‘The BBC has strict rules around the purchase of alcohol, meaning costs have been significantly cut in recent years.’