News from Sheffield Labour

Angela Smith asks for your views on the future of the BBC

Angela Smith is asking for your views for the BBC consultation Delivering Quality First.

The television license fee has been frozen until 2017, resulting in a real-terms cut over the next few years. As a result, the BBC Trust has launched a consultation to ascertain where the public feel the cuts should be best delivered.

Commenting, Angela Smith MP said; “The BBC, like all public services, has been told it must save money with a real-term cut to its funding. In addition to efficiencies, the BBC will have to make cuts in services, and it is important that these cuts are made in the right way.”

The Director-General has set a target of cutting 20% by 2016-17, around half of which will be made up of cuts to services. The BBC plans to prioritise the services most valued by the public.

Commenting further Angela said; “I’m sure everyone will agree that the BBC is a highly-valued public service, and it is therefore important to ensure that everyone’s views are heard in order to arrive at a decision that is as fair as possible. I would encourage everyone to submit their views to the BBC Trust and also, if they wish, to my office in order that I can take them into account when considering my own response.

The proposals and consultation documents are available online and the consultation runs until 21st December 2011.

To contact Angela write to Angela Smith MP, The Arc, Town Hall, Manchester Road, Stocksbridge, S36 2DT, email her on angela.smith.mp@parliament.uk or telephone 0114 2831855.

Other news from Sheffield Labour

• David Blunkett backs Rev Dr Alan Billings for Police and Crime Commissioner - 9 May 2012
• Sheffield Labour unveil new Cabinet - 9 May 2012
• Cameron promises one thing, Cities' Minister another - 30 April 2012