BBC boss Tim Davie has vowed to crack down on licence fee dodgers amid soaring evasion rates and growing pressure on the broadcaster’s funding. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, Davie backed prosecutions and defended the tough enforcement tactics as the corporation braces for a crucial government charter review set to shape its future beyond 2027.
Licence Fee Evasion Hits 30-Year High
New figures reveal more than 25,000 people were convicted of dodging the £174.50 TV licence fee in 2024 — with women making up the majority. Licence fee evasion has soared to 12.52%, levels unseen since 1995, costing the BBC hundreds of millions in lost revenue every year.
Despite pulling in £3.8 billion in licence fee income for 2024/25, the number of paying households plunged by 314,000 — down to just 22.6 million. Enforcement efforts have ramped up sharply, with TV Licensing officers making almost 2 million visits to suspected evaders, a 50% jump on last year. The visiting officers’ workforce also expanded from 172 to 229.
Davie insisted the enforcement system is fair. “If people are evading the licence fee, it should be enforced,” he said. “The vast majority believe those who should be paying, must pay. That’s fair.”
Controversial Crackdown Sparks Outrage
But the hard line isn’t without criticism. Several high-profile prosecutions of vulnerable people have sparked public anger, including a 57-year-old woman with Down’s Syndrome and a terminally ill breast cancer patient, both convicted despite special circumstances. The first conviction was later quashed.
Labour is reportedly pushing to ditch prosecutions after discovering that 70% of those convicted are women. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood are said to support reforms, though no official policy changes have been announced. The BBC’s own review found no evidence of direct discrimination but admitted other factors weigh in.
Trust in BBC on Shaky Ground
Davie’s defence came as a BBC survey showed 38% of viewers doubt its ability to remain independent from government influence. “Maintaining impartiality in today’s polarised world makes the BBC’s job tougher,” Davie admitted. “Mistakes can dent trust, but they don’t mean we’re biased across the board.”
Future of the Licence Fee in Question
With the licence fee jumping to £174.50 in April 2025 and set to rise with inflation until 2027, the BBC faces mounting financial pressure. Real-terms income dropped by nearly 30% from 2010 to 2020, forcing £700 million in savings by next year. As streaming giants like Netflix lure younger viewers away, the BBC’s traditional funding model looks increasingly shaky.
Davie has pledged to explore licence fee reform after 2028 but rejected calls to scrap free-to-air TV or switch to subscription services. “We want to listen to the public and build trust,” he said.
Davie Stands Firm Amid Turmoil
When pressed on his future, Davie sounded resolute. “I’ve never doubted the need for the BBC or my passion for leading it,” he said. “While I don’t decide how long I stay, I’m focused on serving the public and regaining trust.”
As the BBC fights for survival in the streaming age, Davie’s tough stance on evaders sets the stage for fierce debate. Can the licence fee system hold up, or is reform inevitable? The upcoming charter review will be make-or-break for Britain’s biggest broadcaster.
