People of Newcastle believe THIS should be the future of the BBC licence fee

63% of respondents in Newcastle want the fee scrapped completely
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A major reform into the BBC licence fee is on its way when the next annual fee freeze ends in 2024.

The yearly payment, normally paid on April 1, is expected to be frozen at the current rate of £159 until April 2024.

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From then on the mandatory charge will be reformed with MP Nadine Dorries suggesting the fee be axed completely.

The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport added: "This licence fee announcement will be the last.

"The days of the elderly being threatened with prison sentences and bailiffs knocking on doors, are over.

Nadine Dorries wants the fee scrapped (Image: Getty Images)Nadine Dorries wants the fee scrapped (Image: Getty Images)
Nadine Dorries wants the fee scrapped (Image: Getty Images)

"Time now to discuss and debate new ways of funding, supporting and selling great British content."

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The news and proposals have sparked debate online with some defending the BBC and others saying ridding of the free is long overdue.

NewcastleWorld asked its followers what they thought of the fee and what changes should be made.

At the time of writing, the majority of the 393 respondents came to the same conclusion.

63.4% believe there shouldn't be a fee, with many in the comments arguing it should be subscription-based.

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27.2% of people disagreed and said it was worth the fee with 9.4% agreeing there should be a fee, but it should be lower.

One person said: "Should be subscription-based like other channels.

"I hardly ever watch or listen to the BBC, so why should I pay for the service.

"I’m more than happy to pay for sky and Netflix, but that is my choice.

"The BBC need to come into this category like ITV."

The BBC licence fee regulations will change in 2024 (Image: Getty Images)The BBC licence fee regulations will change in 2024 (Image: Getty Images)
The BBC licence fee regulations will change in 2024 (Image: Getty Images)
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Someone else agreed: "People who do not use the BBC should not be forced to pay for it.

"It really is that simple.

"If it’s providing a good service, people will voluntarily pay for it."

Another wrote: "The Licence fee was great for the time that it was created but the world has moved on, exacerbated by Covid in how we watch TV. "The fee just gives it free rein to make whatever it wants - ultimately content needs to be competitive."