Failing to pay the TV licence is one of the most common offences(Image: PA)

BBC TV licence fee prosecutions could be axed as women disproportionately targeted

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood are said to have concerns about the system where people can be prosecuted for failing to pay the TV licence

29 Sep 2024, 16:09 by Lizzy Buchan · The Mirror

Ministers are considering decriminalising non-payment of the BBC licence fee amid fears women are disproportionately affected.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood are understood to have concerns about the system where people can be prosecuted for failing to pay the £169.50 annual charge.

People can be fined up to £1000 for dodging payment, and face the threat of prison if they fail to pay up. Nearly 1,000 people are prosecuted every week for not paying their licence fee, which is the most common crime apart from motoring offences.

Ministers are worried by how many women are being targeted, as around 75% of those convicted for evasion are female, according to a recent BBC review.

A disproportionate number of women are pursued through the legal system for failing to pay the licence fee( Image: (Image: PA))

Changes to enforcement for non-payment will form part of negotiations on the BBC charter, which begin in January, the Mirror understands. The current deal runs out at the end of 2027, and ministers are said to be open minded over how to futureproof the BBC as it faces intense competition from streaming giants like Netflix.

The Tories previously floated the idea of scrapping the licence fee altogether. The-then Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries said in 2022 that the extension to December 2027 "will be the last".

A TV Licensing spokesman said: “We have a duty to enforce the law when there is evidence that someone has avoided paying for a TV licence. What we have done is made considerable efforts to help people get licensed and offer help and support.

"So, while we take appropriate action where necessary, we work hard to support those most in need, offering a number of concessions and payment plans to ensure people can obtain a licence in the way that suits them best. Our focus on collecting the licence fee fairly and efficiently ensures that the overwhelming majority of households are correctly licensed."