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Written question asked by Gregory Campbell (Democratic Unionist Party) on Thursday, 12 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 March 2026 (named day). It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Thursday, 19 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

BBC: Television Licences

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, if she will hold discussions with the BBC on the potential merits of greater transparency in the regional breakdown of how licence fee monies are used in producing regional based programming.

Answer

The Secretary of State meets regularly with the BBC to discuss a wide range of issues.

The Royal Charter places obligations on the BBC to observe high standards of openness and seek to maximise transparency and accountability. It also requires the BBC to report a range of information in its annual plan and its annual report and accounts, including how it ensures provision for the United Kingdom’s nations and regions.

The government launched the BBC Charter Review last year. The Green Paper set out our ambition for the BBC to tell a unifying national story that represents all communities across the UK, and to drive growth in the nations and regions. It also set out proposals for enhancing transparency in a way that supports wider public trust in the content and services the BBC delivers. We are looking at a range of options to deliver this, which include further obligations relating to programme making and spend outside of London.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
120300
Session
2024-26
Subjects
BBC Broadcasting programmes Finance Local broadcasting Television licences
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk