Ex-culture secretary blasts ‘retrograde’ plan for ‘YouTube tax’ to fund BBC
Former culture secretary Nicky Morgan has criticised a reported government plan to extend the BBC licence fee to streaming platforms, calling it “a retrograde step”. The proposal is intended to protect BBC funding, but Morgan argues it would preserve an outdated system and put the broadcaster on the wrong footing for the future.
The proposed levy could cover services including YouTube, Netflix, Disney Plus, Apple TV and Amazon Prime, potentially requiring millions more people to pay. Morgan says some BBC programmes could instead be funded by subscriptions, while core services such as BBC News may warrant wider support. The idea has drawn opposition from Nigel Farage and independent MP Adnan Hussain, while culture committee chair Caroline Dinenage backs reform, noting that 94 per cent of households use the BBC monthly but 80 per cent pay the fee.
- Morgan calls the proposed streaming levy retrograde.
- The plan could extend the fee to major platforms.
- Supporters cite widespread BBC use and a funding gap.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Extending the licence fee to streaming platforms could help sustain BBC services that are widely used but not fully funded by current payments. Supporters may argue that shared contributions are justified for core services such as news, and that a broader funding base reflects how people now watch television.
The case against
A levy on streaming subscriptions could make people pay towards the BBC even if they do not use its services, while adding costs to platforms and potentially their customers. Critics may argue that the licence fee is an outdated model and that subscription funding for some programmes, alongside reform of support for core services, would better fit changing viewing habits.