BBC director-general Tim Davie has said he is open to a “more progressive” licence fee – and revealed the corporation will launch its “biggest-ever consultation process” next year so the public can drive the debate on its future.

The announcement came as Davie also said the broadcaster would be looking to find £200 million in “savings” – beyond the £500m it has already looked to cut.

The BBC has been put under financial strain after the Tories opted to freeze the licence fee for two years at £159. In 2023, the UK Government announced it would use a lower rate of inflation to increase the household charge from April to £169.50 a year.

Speaking at a Royal Television Society (RTS) event in London to discuss the future direction of the BBC and its role for the UK, Davie said the broadcaster is planning to “proactively research” how it will reform the licence fee post 2028, after the current charter agreement ends in December 2027.

He said that starting next year the BBC will open up its “biggest ever consultation process so the public can inform and drive the debate on the future of BBC”.

The BBC boss noted that those over age 74 who receive Pension Credit are entitled to apply for a free licence and said he is open to considering who else could receive concessions.

He added: “That doesn’t necessarily imply means testing, there could be a number of ways you could make it progressive.

“I just think the idea we’re just sitting where we’re at is the wrong one.”

So, do you think older people should get concessions on the BBC licence fee? Should young people? Should those who earn more, pay more for their TV licences?

Vote in the poll and let us know in the comments!