Dame Caroline Dinenage MP, Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, used Monday’s Liaison Committee session to question the Prime Minister on two urgent challenges: the mounting crisis in the charity sector and the future of the BBC.
Charities across the UK are facing unprecedented challenges, with 86% reporting a rise in demand for their services, while individual and corporate donations fall. At the same time, rising costs and recent changes to national insurance contributions are placing significant strain on the already struggling sector. According to the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, the NICs hike could cost charities an estimated £1.4 billion, with nearly one in three expecting to cut staff as a result.
Speaking during the session, Dame Caroline said:
“You are now attempting to break our charities. Just this month, the Marie Curie hospice in Liverpool closed its inpatient unit permanently.”
Caroline also highlighted the delays to the BBC Charter Review consultation and the sustainability of the licence fee. With inflation and production costs rising, concerns are growing about the regressive nature of the current funding model and its long-term viability.
Speaking during the session, Dame Caroline said:
“We were promised the BBC Charter Review at the beginning of the year. What is holding it up? In December we were told that it would be early in the new year. A fortnight ago, we were told that it would be later this year.”
Caroline also raised the issue of the BBC World Service's international reach, which has been withdrawn from countries including Liberia, Lebanon, and Kenya. In the absence of British public broadcasting, foreign state-backed media, such as Russia Today and Chinese outlets, have gained ground, raising concerns about the erosion of the UK's soft power.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the value of the BBC and the role of charities in tackling poverty and pledged to follow up with ministers.
