SHARP RISE IN LICENCE CANCELLATIONS
audience is and what young and older people want.”
Netflix first began streaming programmes in Britain in 2012. It now has about 10mi l lion subscribers in the UK.
Its fee applies whether the show is watched on a television, computer or tablet device.
Netflix spends an estimated £10billion a year on its awardwinning dramas.
That is double the BBC’s total annual spend on all programmes, which include staples such as Antiques Roadshow, Casualty, Songs of Praise, Match of the Day and Strictly Come Dancing.
The BBC is in talks with ITV and Channel 4 about setting up a British rival to Netf lix, offering shows for a monthly fee.
The corporation yesterday denied that it is under threat because of the cancellations and said viewers don’t renew their licences for a variety of reasons.
A spokeswoman added: “There are more licences in force than ever before – 25.8 million – while the number of cancellations has fallen by 15 per cent since 2012-13.
“The number of cancellations includes licences cancelled by TV Licensing due to payment failure.
“It also includes cancellations from customers who no longer need a licence – for example, if they have moved into an address that already has one. This can include large numbers of young people, such as students.”
A Government-funded scheme providing free TV licences to over-75s is due to come to an end in June 2020.
Last night, Scottish Labour cal led on the BBC to keep providing those free licences to hold on to viewers.