The way the BBC is governed and funded is set out by Royal Charter. The charter is reviewed by government every ten years and is currently being renewed. The BBC Trust is ensuring that the voice of licence fee payers is heard in this debate and is carrying out consultation and research work to present to government.

The government is currently engaged in a review process with the aim of putting in a new Charter for the BBC at the beginning of 2017. Throughout the process, the BBC Trust has sought to ensure that the voice of licence fee payers is heard in the debate. It has carried out a range of consultation and research work which has been presented to government.

On 12 May the Government published its White Paper on the future of the BBC. You can read the Trust's response here. If you would like to tell us what you think about the Government's White Paper, or the Trust's response to it, please do get in touch.