Residents in Essex may soon be paying to stream online services such as YouTube and Netflix under new Government plans.
The proposed changes would extend the BBC licence fee to cover streaming platforms, meaning viewers in Essex and across the UK could be required to pay the fee even if they only watch content online.
According to the Independent, the new system would apply to those who stream content on phones, tablets and laptops, and not just traditional televisions.
A BBC spokesperson said: "We have consistently argued that the current funding model is outdated and needs reform.
"We will continue to engage with Government to secure a new charter that provides sustainable, sufficient and universal funding so the BBC can deliver for audiences for generations to come."
A TV licence is currently required to watch or record live TV on any channel or service, or to use BBC iPlayer.
Households that only use on-demand services such as YouTube or Netflix do not currently need a licence.
Under the Government’s proposed changes, these households could be brought into the licensing system for the first time.
BBC director-general Matt Brittin has previously said the licence fee is "no longer fit for purpose" and suggested a household levy as an alternative.
He said: "What we need to look at is the current model.
"You pay the licence fee if you watch live TV or you’re on iPlayer.
"I’d like to see reform that allows us to be where audiences are.
"I think BBC content should be on Netflix, on YouTube, on TikTok, on Spotify, and Instagram, and everywhere where audiences are."
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The plans follow Department for Culture, Media and Sport recommendations describing the current funding model as "outdated and no longer fit for purpose".
A White Paper on the BBC’s charter renewal is expected before Christmas and will outline governance, regulation and funding for the corporation from 2028 onwards.
The BBC’s current 10-year charter expires in December 2027.
In 2022, Ministry of Justice figures revealed that 145 adults in Essex were prosecuted for TV licence evasion, with 102 of them being women.
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