Overview

• Speaking on BBC Breakfast, the director‑general said evaders should be taken to court and that he supports the current enforcement system.
• The intervention comes ahead of a government review of the BBC’s charter and funding, following a pledge to raise the licence fee with inflation until 2027.
• House of Commons Library data show more than 25,000 convictions for evading the £169.50 licence fee in 2024, with most cases involving women.
• Calls to decriminalise non‑payment for over‑75s have intensified, including a 2020 consultation and a private member’s bill now under debate.
• A BBC questionnaire reported 38% of viewers see the broadcaster as ineffective at staying independent from government, which Davie countered by asserting editorial independence and admitting mistakes can damage trust.