Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is reportedly considering whether to block an increase in the BBC licence fee, amid ongoing turmoil at the broadcaster. The planned rise, linked to inflation, would see the annual fee climb from £174.50 to over £181, but growing numbers of households are refusing to pay, costing the BBC hundreds of millions in lost income.

The broadcaster has faced a series of scandals in recent months, leading to the resignations of key figures including the director general and head of news. Tensions within the BBC board have intensified, with another board member resigning over governance concerns, further destabilizing the organization.

The crisis has been compounded by criticism of the BBC's editorial standards, including a high-profile controversy over the editing of a Donald Trump speech. As scrutiny mounts and the BBC's future funding is debated, Nandy has until February to make a final decision on the licence fee increase.