After a two-year freeze, Scots may have to pay more to watch TV as the licence fee will see its largest rise in two decades.
The cost, set out by the Department of Culture, Media and Spot (DCMS), is reportedly set to rise in line with inflation rates in 2024. This was set out back in 2022, when former Culture secretary Nadine Dorries implemented a fee freeze that is due to end next year.
As reported by the Daily Telegraph, this will mean a £13 rise in the £159 existing fee, totalling £172 for an annual licence. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicts that the inflation figure used will be 8.2 per cent.
Households are expected to be hit with the increase from April 1, 2024. However ministers are facing pushback with calls for the plans to be scrapped.
As reported by the publication, Nadine Dorries commented on the development: "I am in favour of freezing it until a full review of how the BBC is funded is completed and alternatives explored."
Tv licence fees go towards maintaining channels and content, with the majority of revenue going to the BBC, all though there are different rules for various streaming platforms.
According to tvlicensing.co.uk, 86 per cent of fees are spent on BBC's TV and radio channels, as well as online services like BBC iPlayer and BBC sounds. The OBR also predicts that the rise will increase the broadcaster's licence revenue from £3.7bn in 2023 to £4bn in 2024 for the first time in BBC history.
A BBC spokesperson said: "The Government agreed a six-year licence fee settlement in January 2022 which froze the licence fee for two years, with increases in line with inflation from 2024.
"It is not for the BBC to speculate on what inflation might be and how that might impact the licence fee in future years. Ultimately it is for Government to set and confirm the cost of a licence each year.
"The BBC will continue to focus on what it does best: working to deliver world class content and value for all its audiences."
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