Yahoo News BBC orders urgent investigation into behaviour of TV licence fee collectors amid allegations of underhand tactics
The BBC has ordered an urgent investigation into the behaviour of television licence fee collectors amid allegations they are using underhand tactics and aggressive incentive schemes to catch evaders.
Up to 330 enforcement officers recruited by Capita have allegedly been told they should catch 28 evaders a week and gather evidence to take as many people to court as they can.
They are also allegedly promised bonuses of up to £15,000 a year, including an extra £20 to £25 for every evader they catch over the "magic 28", an investigation by the Daily Mail reported.
The BBC needs to make sure changes are made to the way this contract is being run
Damian Collins MP
Anyone with a television or who watches iPlayer without a licence can be fined up to £1,000 and be given a criminal record.
The paper uncovered the tactics in an undercover investigation. A reporter who interviewed for an enforcement job was allegedly told by bosses: "We will drive you as hard as we can to get as much as we can out of you because we are greedy."
The company is reportedly paid £58 million a year to collect licence fees for the broadcaster.
Last night, Damian Collins, who chairs the culture select committee, told the paper its findings were "very concerning". "The BBC needs to make sure changes are made to the way this contract is being run or that it is taken away from Capita and given to someone else," he said.
Downing Street said ministers would be raising the conduct of the enforcement officers with the BBC.
"Clearly, these are concerning reports. The licence fee does need to be collected in a fair and reasonable manner. I see the BBC has quite rightly ordered an urgent investigation into these reports," a No 10 spokesman said.
Capita vehemently denied the claims and said its incentive scheme is only linked to the number of licence fee sales.
A spokesman confirmed it was investigating and said: "Enquiry officers are expected to act in a professional manner, abide by strict rules of conduct and adhere to the PACE code of practice.
"We strongly refute any allegation that officers are instructed to act outside of these requirements. We have a strong set of procedures in place and where we find employees have not acted as they should we act appropriately."
A spokesman for the BBC also insisted Capita’s incentive scheme does not operate on the number of people prosecuted.
She said: "We are very disappointed by the conduct of Capita’s interviewing managers in this particular case which is not in line with the high standards we expect and does not reflect the policies in place. We have asked Capita to investigate urgently and ensure swift and appropriate action is taken."
