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<p>The Government consulted on decriminalisation of TV licence evasion in 2020, and
published its response in January 2021. The response to the consultation shows that
a significant number of people oppose the criminal sanction with some highlighting
the considerable stress and anxiety it can cause for individuals, including the most
vulnerable in society, such as older people.</p><p>However, the consultation also
identified that changing the sanction for TV licence evasion would have wide-ranging
impacts for licence fee payers, as well as potentially leading to a significant increase
in fines for those evading payment.</p><p>The Government therefore decided to keep
the issue of decriminalisation under consideration.</p><p>More broadly, it is necessary
to look at the BBC’s funding model as a whole to ensure it is sustainable in the long-term.
The Government will set out further detail on its plans regarding the future of the
licence fee in due course.</p>
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