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TV licence fee rises from 1 April

023/08
10 March 2008

The cost of a colour television licence is set to rise to £139.50 and a black and white licence will cost £47.00, Culture Secretary Andy Burnham announced today.

The increase, to be brought into effect by an order laid in the House of Commons today, follows the six-year BBC funding settlement which began in April 2007.

The licence fee will increase by three per cent for the first two years of the settlement and two per cent in years three, four and five. An increase of up to two per cent in year six will be set nearer the time.

The changes will come into effect on 1 April this year.

Notes to editors

  1. The fee for a basic black and white only TV licence will increase from £45.50 to £47.00, and a basic colour TV licence from £135.50 to £139.50.

  2. The six-year settlement enables the BBC to:

  • implement the vision of the 2006 White Paper and Charter and Agreement, maintaining relevance and impact in a period of rapid change

  • support digital switchover, including funding and delivery of a help scheme for vulnerable people

  • widen the geographical spread of its production facilities and make better use of the creativity and talent that exists across the UK, including by moving significant production to the North West of England – bringing an estimated £1.5 billion and 15,500 jobs to the area

  • maximise value for money to the licence fee payer

Press Enquiries: 020 7211 6052/6277
Out of hours telephone pager no: 07699 751153
Public Enquiries: 020 7211 6200

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