The future funding model of the public service broadcaster has been an ongoing source of debate

Changing media consumption habits mean that the licensing model is outdated

The BBC licence fee could be scrapped once every household has access to an adequate standard of broadband, the government has suggested

Media minister John Whittingdale said the damage streaming services like Netflix were doing to the BBC's audiences did 'beg the question' whether the licence fee model can continue

A voluntary subscription-based model has been suggested as an alternative source of funding, removing the threat of a criminal conviction to be avoided and allowing market forces to take control. 

Media minister John Whittingdale, who previously served as culture secretary in David Cameron's ministry between 2015 and 2016, told MPs that a subscription fee could replace the TV licence fee once there is sufficient connectivity in place.

However, this could lead to funding cuts and undermine the BBC's public service obligations - especially with regard to universality.