PLANNED BBC LICENCE FEE RISE A CONCERN, SAYS MINISTER

CULTURE Secretary Lucy Frazer has denied that the Government is “ripping up” a licence fee deal with the BBC, following reports that Rishi Sunak is set to block a nine per cent hike in the charge.

For the past two years the licence fee has been frozen at £159, but it was previously agreed it would rise in line with inflation after April 2024. Talking on BBC Radio 4’s Today, Ms Frazer said ministers were looking at the planned rise amid concerns over the cost of living. She has said that a £15 rise in the licence fee to more than £170 would be “high”.