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MPs to debate TV licence fee change proposals MPs to vote on TV licence fee proposals
(about 2 hours later)
MPs are due to discuss plans to give ministers powers to decriminalise non-payment of the TV licence fee. Plans to give the government power to decriminalise non-payment of the TV licence fee are due to be voted on by MPs later.
The idea, which is believed to be supported by both the Conservatives and Labour, could make non-payment a civil rather than criminal offence. The amendment to the Deregulation Bill, which could become law later this year, proposes a subsequent review of non-payment penalty options.
Proposals to amend the Deregulation Bill require a review of the potential options which could last up to a year. Ministers could then decide to move to a system of civil penalties, probably around the summer of 2015.
The BBC, which says decriminalisation could cost it £200m a year, has said it will fully co-operate with a review. The BBC has said possible financial losses could cause channels to close.
Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen, who has led calls for decriminalisation, has said at least 150 backbench MPs support the idea. The corporation, which has said it fears losses of up to £200m a year, said it would fully co-operate with any review to see if the current system could be improved.
The plan has already received government backing, while the BBC understands Labour wants any move to a system of civil penalties to be piloted before it is implemented. The move has already got government backing, and Labour has signalled its likely support.
Under the proposals, ministers would be allowed to replace existing sanctions with "civil monetary penalties", which would mean no further act of Parliament was needed. The BBC understands that the Labour Party is calling for a system of civil penalties to be piloted before any decriminalisation change is implemented.
If MPs vote in favour the bill would have to be approved by the House of Lords and a review of how a civil penalty would work would then have to be completed before ministers could act on the power. Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen, who has led calls for decriminalisation, has suggested that at least 150 backbench MPs support the idea.
Any final decision on the issue is unlikely before the summer of 2015.
Currently, people can be sent to jail in connection with not paying the annual licence fee, which is used to fund BBC programmes and other output.Currently, people can be sent to jail in connection with not paying the annual licence fee, which is used to fund BBC programmes and other output.
Under the proposals, ministers would be allowed to replace existing sanctions with "civil monetary penalties" with no further act of Parliament required.
Chancellor George Osborne said the idea of decriminalisation was "very interesting" and would be looked at "closely".
The BBC's strategy director James Purnell said the present system "works pretty well" and warned the proposed change would be a "huge risk" which would increase instances of non-payment.
But he said: "We are happy to work with government to see if it can be improved or whether there is an alternative that could be better."
Earlier this month, Mr Purnell warned BBC channels could close if non-payment of the licence fee was decriminalised.
Imprisoned
If passed by MPs the bill would then have to be approved by the House of Lords, and a review of how a civil penalty would work would then have to be completed before it became enforceable.
Any final decision on the issue is unlikely before the summer of 2015.
A TV licence, which is required if a user watches or records live broadcasts on any device in the UK, currently costs £145.50 per year.A TV licence, which is required if a user watches or records live broadcasts on any device in the UK, currently costs £145.50 per year.
Those who refuse to pay face a £1,000 fine and a criminal record, as well as the prospect of jail if fines are not paid.Those who refuse to pay face a £1,000 fine and a criminal record, as well as the prospect of jail if fines are not paid.
The Ministry of Justice has said that 164,932 people were found guilty of TV licence evasion in 2012 and 51 went to prison for not paying subsequent fines.The Ministry of Justice has said that 164,932 people were found guilty of TV licence evasion in 2012 and 51 went to prison for not paying subsequent fines.
Chancellor George Osborne said the idea of decriminalisation was "very interesting" and would be looked at "closely". Currently civil penalties can be used for other issues such as if a person does not report a change in their circumstances which entitle them to claim benefits, and as a consequence end up getting overpaid.
The BBC's strategy director James Purnell said: "We are happy to work with government to see if it can be improved or whether there is an alternative that could be better."
He said the present system "works pretty well" and warned the proposed change would be a "huge risk" which would increase instances of non-payment.
Earlier this month, Mr Purnell warned BBC channels could close if non-payment of the licence fee was decriminalised.
Currently civil penalties can be used for other issues such as if a person does not report changes in their circumstances to claim benefits, and end up getting overpaid as a result.
In this instance offenders are likely to be landed with a minimum £50 fine.In this instance offenders are likely to be landed with a minimum £50 fine.
Civil penalties are also used to fine employers up to £10,000 for having an illegal immigrant on their books.Civil penalties are also used to fine employers up to £10,000 for having an illegal immigrant on their books.