New research shows that the average amount citizens are prepared to pay for the TV licence fee through to 2017 is £162.66 a year – a sizeable increase on the current fee of £131.50 a year. On a monthly basis, this would mean an increase of £2.59 per month.

At the same time, it indicates that those willing to pay most to fund the corporation are more likely to earn over £50,000. The research, which was carried out by The Work Foundation and involved 7,000 people, also reveals that seventy five per cent of respondents said they would like planned new BBC services to be funded by subscription, while keeping the licence fee at its current level.

"Overall, the BBC appears to enjoy strong support among British people, and people are willing to pay more for it. And in addition, there is a reasonable level of recognition for the view that the BBC's role is bigger than simply producing services that people consume, but that the corporation also plays a significant role in British public and cultural life as well, such as by providing impartial news and by being a global UK brand," says Dr Rebecca Fauth, senior researcher at The Work Foundation and the lead author of the study. "But while that support is solid, there does appear to be some interest in greater choice in future funding arrangements. Significant numbers appear to be ready for a debate about how future BBC activities should be paid for."