Ministers are reportedly looking to scrap BBC licence fee prosecutions over fears that women are disproportionally affected.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood are thought to have concerns over the whole system.

Currently, people in the UK can be prosecuted and fined up to £1000 for failing to pay the annual fee which amounts to £169.50.

Nearly 1000 people a week are prosecuted for non-payment of the licence fee, making it the most common crime behind motoring offences.

Ministers look to scrap BBC licence fee prosecutions

Ministers are said to be worried that women are being dispropertioally affected by prosections after it was found that 75% of those convicted were female.

The Mirror reports that these changes are subject to negotiations with the BBC over its charter, something that could take place in January.

The current deal, which was struck by the previous Conservative Government, will run until 2027.

Ministers are said to be open-minded about the broadcaster's future amid stiff competation from streaming giants like Netflix.

In 2022, then-Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries floated the idea of srapping the licence altogther.

A TV Licensing spokesman said: “We have a duty to enforce the law when there is evidence that someone has avoided paying for a TV licence. What we have done is made considerable efforts to help people get licensed and offer help and support.

"So, while we take appropriate action where necessary, we work hard to support those most in need, offering a number of concessions and payment plans to ensure people can obtain a licence in the way that suits them best. Our focus on collecting the licence fee fairly and efficiently ensures that the overwhelming majority of households are correctly licensed."