In an era where streaming and on-demand is king, some argue that the TV licence – the £174.50 a year households pay to fund the BBC – is no longer fit for purpose. The fact that someone can be prosecuted for not having one is increasingly perceived as being heavy-handed, too.

Yet, the licence fee does fund a public broadcaster which others argue should be protected at all costs.

So, should the TV licence be abolished? Former BBC journalist Jon Sopel and TV presenter Dan Walker offer their perspective, as well as Penelope Gibbs – whose research has uncovered the reality behind prosecutions for not paying.

As a young kid, I grew up obsessed with sport and desperately dreaming of following in the footsteps of Des Lynam . I ended up working for the BBC for more than 15 years – and l

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