North-south divide over licence fee

A new poll has revealed that support for the television licence fee is diminishing in northern parts of the UK.

An Ipsos/Mori poll commissioned by The Guardian indicated that overall, 41% say that the licence fee offers an "appropriate" funding mechanism for the BBC. However, that figure varies greatly across the UK: in London, the 41% agree figure holds up but in the north of England, it drops to 37%. In Scotland, it is only 35%.

The poll also revealed a divide along socioeconomic lines, with 56% of higher-earners believing the fee is an appropriate funding method compared to support from only 32% of those earning less.

Throughout Ofcom's review of Britain's public service broadcasting system, the BBC has maintained that its existence, funded by a direct link to the television licence fee, commands a high level of support among the British public.

An independent report by Professor Patrick Barwise, commissioned by the BBC in 2006, suggested that "most people would prefer a bigger, stronger BBC to a smaller, weaker one".