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Treasury Rejects House Levy as BBC Funding Talks Continue

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 6:17 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is negotiating a new BBC funding mechanism ahead of a December White Paper deadline.
BBC Director-general Matt Brittin called the £180 licence fee a “busted flush” and suggested a household levy 20% cheaper.
Treasury officials oppose any levy that could be seen as a new tax on households facing a cost-of-living crisis.
Proposals under discussion include a broadband levy, a streaming-service surcharge, and a device-based payment.

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Story summary

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is negotiating a new BBC funding mechanism ahead of a December White Paper deadline.
BBC Director-general Matt Brittin called the £180 licence fee a “busted flush” and suggested a household levy 20% cheaper.
Treasury officials oppose any levy that could be seen as a new tax on households facing a cost-of-living crisis.
Proposals under discussion include a broadband levy, a streaming-service surcharge, and a device-based payment.