BBC chief wants a levy on every home

THE BBC has thrown its weight behind the idea of replacing the licence fee with a levy for all households, to raise more money for the Corporation.

Director general Tony Hall said there had been a ‘decline’ in the number of British programmes, and that the BBC needed more cash to compete with the likes of Amazon and netflix.

But instead of a licence fee rise, he said the Government should introduce a levy paid by everyone – regardless of whether or not they use BBC services.

‘By itself … the [licence fee] agreement won’t restore the fall in original British content, let alone allow it to grow,’ Lord Hall said last night.

‘That’s why we think the Government’s option for a household fee merits further consideration, because it could bring new investment and safeguard the BBC’s support for the creative economy.’

The culture, media and sport select committee proposed the idea earlier this year, when it was chaired by John Whittingdale, now the Culture Secretary.

Yesterday was the first time Lord Hall has suggested the levy is preferable to the £145.50 Tv licence, which raised £3.72billion for the BBC last year.

Last night, Lord Hall said the BBC needed extra money to make sure the rise of companies such as netflix and Amazon does not lead to a loss of British programmes.

He added: ‘As the BBC’s spending has fallen, overall investment in original British content has gone down.

‘Will netflix or Amazon make the range and volume of British programmes… these new businesses are unlikely to address the Britishness problem.’