The UK government has not ruled out the possibility that subscribers to streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime may be required to pay the BBC licence fee in the future. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy addressed the issue during Culture Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday, declining to confirm whether the fee would be extended to cover streaming platforms.

In response to questions from Conservative MP Bradley Thomas, Nandy emphasized that the government has dismissed using a levy on streaming services or funding the BBC through direct taxation. She stressed the importance of preserving the BBC’s editorial independence as a key consideration in any future funding changes. However, she refrained from categorically excluding the extension of the licence fee to streaming subscribers.

The remarks come amid ongoing financial pressures on the BBC, which is aiming to save £500 million over two years. The broadcaster has announced plans that include significant job cuts, the discontinuation of certain television programs, and the cancellation of several radio shows. These measures reflect the challenges faced by the BBC as it competes with growing streaming platforms and adapts to changing media consumption habits.

Currently, the BBC is primarily financed through the licence fee, which was increased earlier this year to £180 annually. Despite the widespread use of BBC services—with reports indicating that 94 percent of adults in the UK access content monthly—only about 80 percent of households pay the fee. This discrepancy has also fueled discussions within the BBC about possibly reducing the fee if more viewers contribute.

No formal proposals have been made regarding the inclusion of streaming subscribers in the licence fee, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has yet to provide an official comment. The issue remains under consideration as policymakers evaluate sustainable funding methods to support the public broadcaster’s future.