BBC 'could cut programming for pensions'

The BBC is planning to cut its spending on programmes in order to reduce its £2 billion pensions deficit, it has been claimed.

Chairman of the trustees Jeremy Peat said that the broadcaster has set aside "additional funds" from its licence fee income to address its growing shortfall, The Times reports.

John Whittingdale, Conservative chairman of the Commons culture select committee, said: "The BBC is not the only public sector organisation in this position, but I think the public will find it hard to accept cuts to programming budgets to pay for generous public sector pensions."

The BBC said: "The BBC pension scheme, like many other schemes, has not been immune from the turbulence that has affected markets around the world.

"The scheme's investment strategy has been reviewed during the year and the trustees are confident that their approach to funding remains the best option to ensure the scheme's continued stability."