The Conservatives have hit out at the �300 million stealth tax faced by television licence fee payers under Government plans to be outlined in today’s White Paper.

Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Hugo Swire, branded the charge a TV Tax, orchestrated by Gordon Brown to get his hands on billions of pounds through selling off the analogue spectrum. Commenting, Hugo Swire said:

“Everyone who owns a TV will have to fork out more on their licence fee to help fill Gordon Brown’s budget black hole. At the same time, the Chancellor is set to make billions of pounds flogging off the freed up analogue spectrum. The new Spectrum Tax is nothing but a TV stealth tax on the viewing public. Switchover has to be paid for but the Chancellor should be open and honest about his tax plans, rather than hiding them in this way.

“What we still don’t yet know is how much more we will have to pay for the additional support for the vulnerable and elderly, but it is forecast that it is likely to cost an additional �1 billion - estimated at nearly �140 per TV set.

“As usual, Gordon Brown makes extravagant promises and then passes the buck to the rest of us. Like the worst dinner date, Gordon’s never around when the bill arrives.”

Mr Swire also condemned the White Paper as a missed opportunity to create a BBC for the 21st Century. Saying:

“Ms Jowell has missed a critical opportunity to build a BBC for the new century; for the new world of multi-channel TV and radio. In a broadcasting world where technology and viewing habits are changing rapidly, she is rubber stamping a business-as-usual 10-year charter. It appears that no one apart from Tessa Jowell can predict what broadcasting will be like in a decade’s time.

“The Charter Renewal process has been an enormous missed opportunity. The House of Lords described the plans as ‘confusing, misguided and unworkable’. The BBC needs to be leaner and fitter and it needs a charter that clearly sets out its public service role while recognising the changing world of broadcasting around it.”

Mr Swire also attacked the inadequate plans over future governance of the BBC.

“The Government’s plan for future governance is an ineffective and cosmetic exercise that lacks the teeth to deliver an independent BBC for the 21st Century. Plans to create a BBC Trust are nothing more than the old governors in another building, and mean that they remain judge and jury in disputes. We are also concerned as to whether OFCOM will have the teeth to ensure that the BBC does not continue to act in ways which distort the market for independent press and media.”