The annual cost of the BBC licence fee could surge by £22.50 before 2030 if it continues to rise in line with inflation. Over 3.6 million UK households refused to pay the levy this year amid a series of scandals that culminated in the resignation of director-general Sir Tim Davie last month.

Despite growing dissatisfaction with the taxpayer-funded broadcaster, official forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility suggest the fee could rise from its current rate of £174.50 to £197 after the next election in 2029.

The news also follows a report from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) warning that the BBC is "under severe pressure" amid "intense competition for attention" from rival media outlets. Among other findings, it said the corporation was not doing enough to enforce li

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