FEE CRACKDOWN BBC ‘brings in debt collectors to enforce TV licence fee’ – weeks after annual charge jumped to £180

THE BBC has reportedly brought in debt collectors to enforce the TV licence fee just weeks after the annual charge jumped to £180.

As it stands, a TV licence is required for anyone who watches or records live TV on any channel or uses BBC iPlayer.

But the broadcaster has recruited Themis Recoveries in a bid to crack down on those evading paying the licence fee, according to The Telegraph.

The debt collection firm, responsible for sending out enforcement letters, will reportedly be involved with visiting people at their homes.

It’s understood that they will work with the BBC on a temporary contract alongside Capita, another enforcement firm to help save the broadcaster cash.

They describe themselves on their website as “the UK’s leading customer engagement, retention and arrears management specialist”.

The Sun has reached out to the BBC for comment.

It comes just weeks after the licence fee climbed to £180 in April – a rise of £5.50 – in a blow to millions of families across the country.

That tops the lowest streaming price for Netflix, which can cost the equivalent of £71.88 a year.

The decision by Labour ministers’ to hike the fee during a cost-of-living crisis sparked outrage at the time.

The national broadcaster has warned it’s facing “managed decline” and has seen a 25% fall in its income over the last decade.

And the Beeb lost more than £1bn to fee evasion and cancellations in 2024.

It’s already implemented a £500million savings plan, which is expected to lead to around 2,000 job losses in its biggest downsizing in 15 years.

Meanwhile, cuts have already been made to travel and spending on consultants, conferences, events and awards with more avenues being considered to keep the BBC afloat.

It was also reported earlier this month that the Government is considering extending the licence fee to include streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

Under the current rules, households must pay the fee to watch live TV on any channel or to use BBC iPlayer.

The national broadcaster has reportedly argued that the fee could be reduced if more people paid it.

New BBC director-general, ex-Google boss Matt Brittin said last week that “tough choices are unavoidable” moving forwards.

Brittin takes on the role during a turbulent time for the broadcaster with his predecessor Tim Davie facing a number of controversies.

It comes as the Beeb grapples with a billion-dollar lawsuit from US President Donald Trump and the fallout over an inadvertent racial slur being aired during the Bafta film awards.

A TV Licensing spokesperson said: “We work hard to support people in staying licensed so that they avoid a potential criminal conviction for non-payment of the licence fee.

“We regularly test new approaches to achieve this.

“The Themis campaign explains when a TV Licence is needed, how to let us know if one isn’t required, and signposts the support available if additional help is needed.”