Overview
- The Government has not set the exact 2026 figure, with DCMS saying it will confirm the amount in due course.
- September CPI was 3.8%, which points to a rise of roughly £7 from the current £174.50 when the new rate takes effect in April.
- Active licences fell by about 300,000 last year to 23.8 million, raising concerns over declining compliance and revenue.
- Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy says the existing arrangement will be maintained for now as she explores a mixed funding model for the BBC.
- The licence underpins much of the BBC’s budget, generating close to £4 billion last year, with fines for non-payment and concessions for eligible groups.