local media

The BBC is the gold standard when it comes to local news. It connects millions of rural dwellers with vital information through local radio stations at times of crisis relating to bad weather and other unforeseen events. Lets hope there is no post election outpouring of doctrinaire political spite when it comes to the future of a national institution of crucial importance to every rural community. This article has raised my concerns, it tells us:

The government is to consider whether failure to pay the TV licence fee should cease to be a criminal offence, a Treasury minister has said.

Rishi Sunak confirmed Prime Minister Boris Johnson has ordered a review of the sanction for non-payment of the £154.50 charge, which funds the BBC.

Prosecution for non-payment of the fee can currently end in a court appearance and potential fine of up to £1,000.

But the BBC warned decriminalisation could cost it £200m a year.

The Sunday Telegraph reported the consultation had been ordered by the PM after the Conservatives won a majority of 80 at last week’s election.

Asked whether non-payment of the fee should be decriminalised, Mr Sunak told the BBC’s Andrew Marr Show: “That is something the prime minister has said we will look at, and has instructed people to look at that”.

“I think it’s fair to say people find the criminalisation of non-payment of the licence fee to be something that has provoked questions in the past,” he said.