BBC TV licence: Glyn Isherwood discusses drop in users

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In an attack against the BBC, Rupert Lowe former Brexit Party MEP called for a complete overhaul of the organisation. Mr Lowe also called for the controversial licence fee to be scrapped entirely in an incredible tirade against the organisation. If the licence fee were to be scrapped, he insisted the broadcaster would not “last a fortnight”.

Mr Lowe said in a tweet today: “It does feel like the tide is turning against the BBC.

“It needs a total overhaul and that has to start with scrapping the licence fee.

“Once they stop fleecing all of us for our cash they can do what they like.

“It wouldn’t last a fortnight!”

Following his tweet, many on the social media platform agreed the licence fee should now be scrapped.

The current licence fee will be reviewed when the current Royal Charter expires in 2027.

Earlier this year, the BBC announced an increase of the licence fee from £157.50 to £159 from April this year.

Last November, the Government announced the mid-term review of the Royal Charter.

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The Government did warn it may decriminalise non-payment of the licence fee, before later backing down as the BBC comes under severe pressure over its future funding.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said in March: “Decriminalisation of the licence fee remains on the table.

“The government continues to believe that criminal sanctions for non-payment is increasingly disproportionate, but we need to be careful that any alternative enforcement mechanism does not result in heavier penalties.”

“We have said we will keep the licence fee until 2027 but, ahead of that point, will review how the BBC is funded.”

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The broadcaster also came under heavy scrutiny following the decision to end the free TV licence for the over-75s last year.

In February, the BBC introduced a grace period over the new payment measures due to the pandemic.

According to the broadcaster, 260,000 pensioners are yet to pay for the licence following the changes.

Former England cricketer, Lord Ian Botham criticised the broadcaster for its treatment of the elderly population.

He said: “The BBC is now threatening to send round the boys for what it calls ‘customer care visits’.

“The public can see through this Orwellian language and will never stomach the BBC intimidating the elderly.”

The BBC has not taken up enforcement measures but will write to those who are yet to pay for the licence.

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