Bad idea, worse timing

Just under the wire, the BBC has published a 40-page response to the Government consultation on de-criminalising licence fee evasion. It estimates the first year loss of income at £300m. In the last annual report, the BBC reported spend on films and drama at £333m.

Here's the hard line.

"The BBC seriously questions whether changing the system of enforcement just a few years into an 11 year Charter period makes sense. It would take several years to implement and the cumulative cost to the BBC would be more than £1 billion. From the evidence we have set out it would deliver worse outcomes for the licence fee payer, the taxpayer and the most vulnerable in society. The Government has provided no compelling evidence to the contrary".

To repeat myself, you have until 5pm tomorrow to add your voice to this consultation.