HUNDREDS of TV licences were cancelled every day in the five months leading up to March this year, it has emerged.
The number of licences held across the UK dropped by 82,000 during those months, according to data The Times obtained via a freedom of information request.
The figures work out to about 550 TV licences being cancelled every day on average.
The drop comes as digital streaming continues to increase its presence – an Ofcom report from August found 47% of all households in the UK are signed up to services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now TV and now Disney+.
READ MORE: BBC: Tories launch consultation on licence fee decriminalisation
A BBC spokesman said 91% of the UK’s adult population continues to use the BBC each week and added its iPlayer service has recently attracted record audience.
But on licence numbers he added: “There will always be fluctuation and March’s figures will include the fact that some people have found it more difficult to pay during lockdown.”
The new figures come after the Tories said back in December that they are “looking at” scrapping the TV licence fee.
Boris Johnson said his party weren’t planning to get rid of all licence fees but admitted the system “bears reflection” – and questioned “how long” that system can be justified.
Meanwhile, decriminalisation of non-payment of the fee is also being considered by the UK Government.
The licence fee costs £154.50 a year and its existence is guaranteed until 2027. However, the level it is set at is due to be agreed in two years’ time.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel