A READER has written to us about his anger over the BBC's use of the licence fee.

DIRECTOR General of the BBC Tim Davie had the audacity to go before a House of Commons Public Accounts Committee [PAC] last Wednesday, all to explain (or grovel) why the new set for EastEnders went over budget.

The reasons given were, in my opinion, pathetic: delays caused higher costs. It was due to be finished in 2018, all before material costs went through the roofin early 2021. The estimated cost was £59.7m but it has ended up at £86.7m. A massive £27m overspend.

How truly can they justify this figure? Was there a Clerk of Works on the site? Thank goodness according to the BBC they now have the over 75s paying their full licence fee.

My calculation is it would only take 170,000 of the paying over 75s to cover this colossal overspend. I have not seen a report on what the PAC has had to say. When they do, I’m expecting them to look into the future of getting rid of the licence fee so it cannot be abused, which has happened in this case.

Over 75s keep the faith.

David Johnson, Bishop Auckland.

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