BBC licence fee could extend to streaming services

The Independent reported that the UK government is considering extending the licence fee to streaming platforms to prevent people from avoiding it by accessing content via their phones, tablets, or laptops.

It comes as the government prepares to publish its white paper on the BBC’s charter renewal before Christmas 2026, which will set out how the corporation will be governed, regulated, and funded from 2028 onwards.

Under the current rules, households must pay the fee to watch live TV on any channel or to use BBC iPlayer. The fee rose to £180 on 1 April 2026.

However, watching other services’ on-demand programmes doesn’t normally require one.

Under the proposed changes, the fee would expand to streamers including Amazon and Disney+, which are currently exempt from the licence fee.

Matt Brittin, Director-General, BBC, has previously said the corporation is “held back” by its licence fee, which is “no longer fit for purpose”, and has suggested a household levy as a potential funding option.

The Independent quoted a BBC spokesperson saying: “We have consistently argued that the current funding model is outdated and needs reform.

“We will continue to engage with government to secure a new charter that provides sustainable, sufficient, and universal funding so the BBC can deliver for audiences for generations to come.”

In a statement, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said: “The BBC must be funded by a model that is sustainable and fair to all those that are paying it. Through charter review, we are looking at a range of options, including how the licence fee could be reformed, but no final decisions have been made.”

A group of UK MPs recently set out a BBC funding plan to raise revenue, make better use of its buildings to support the creator economy, and spend more wisely when competing for programming. Discover more here.