BBC Charter Renewal: A reading list

The BBC’s constitution is set out in a Royal Charter (PDF). An Agreement (PDF) sits alongside the charter and provides further detail on many of the subjects outlined in the charter. The current charter began on 1 January 2017 and runs to 31 December 2027.

The government launched a review of the BBC’s Charter on 16 December 2025. The intention is to use the review to “futureproof” the BBC so that it can thrive in a “rapidly changing media landscape”.

The terms of reference state that the review’s objectives are for a BBC that:

• is sustainably funded for decades to come to support its vital public service role
• commands the public’s trust, is independent and accountable to the public it serves, and represents all communities across the UK
• drives growth, opportunity and good jobs across the nations and regions of the UK, working in partnership with others

The government has said that it “intends to work constructively with the BBC” throughout the charter review. It will also consult with Ofcom (the BBC’s regulator), the National Audit Office, the devolved governments, S4C, industry, parliamentarians, and other stakeholders.

A green paper was also published on 16 December. A public consultation on its proposals closed on 10 March 2026. The government is considering the responses and has said that it plans to set out policy decisions for the next BBC Charter in a white paper, expected to be published later this year

The current BBC Charter includes a requirement that a draft of the new charter and framework agreement must be laid before Parliament and debated by each House. Once approved by the Privy Council, a new BBC Charter will come into effect on 1 January 2028.

This briefing sets out commentary on the charter review. It will be updated throughout the review process.

Related Library briefings

• The future of the BBC licence fee
• TV licence fee non-payment: should it be decriminalised?
• TV licences for the over-75s