Written question asked by Lord Roberts of Conwy (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Rawlings (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 December 2010.

Broadcasting: Licence Fee

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government who is responsible for the collection of the broadcasting licence fee and for the expenditure of the money collected.

Answer: The administration and enforcement of the television licensing system are the responsibility of the BBC, which operates independently of government. The day-to-day administration and enforcement of licence fees are undertaken by TV Licensing which acts as agent for the Corporation. Under the terms of the BBC’s charter, it is the responsibility of the BBC Trust to ensure that the BBC executive board delivers financial efficiency and value for money. The trust is responsible for approving budgets, at the level of service licences or other significant activities likely to have implications for the delivery of the BBC’s public purposes, put forward by the executive. Within this framework, day-to-day decisions about expenditure are the responsibility of the BBC executive.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5215; 723 c274WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Accountability Administration Fees and charges Expenditure Television licences
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk