The BBC has drafted in debt collectors to enforce the licence fee as part of a crackdown on users who dodge payments.

In November, the Daily Mail reported that one in eight households now claim they do not need a TV licence and refuse to pay, leading to losses estimated at up to £550million.

Over the past decade, the cost of the licence fee, which must be paid to watch live television or iPlayer, has soared to £174.50.

In an effort to catch out fee dodgers and bring in more funding, the Beeb has contracted Themis Recoveries to work alongside Capita - a firm already working as enforcers who knock on doors for the broadcaster.

Themis Recoveries, also known as Themis Global, will not visit addresses on behalf of the BBC but is instead responsible for distributing enforcement letters to households suspected of evading the licence fee.

The firm describes itself as Britain's 'leading customer engagement, retention and arrears management specialist'. 

The BBC are trialling the use of Themis' services to engage with unlicenced customers to assess whether it is effective and cost-efficient. 

People have already complained on social media after receiving letters asking them to pay the fee, claiming they do not watch live TV or BBC programmes.

A TV Licensing spokesperson said: 'We work hard to support people in staying licensed so that they avoid a potential criminal conviction for non-payment of the licence fee. 

'We regularly test new approaches to achieve this. 

'The Themis campaign explains when a TV Licence is needed, how to let us know if one isn't required, and signposts the support available if additional help is needed.' 

Meanwhile, Ofcom data revealed fewer than half of those aged 16 to 24 watch broadcast television weekly, instead favouring YouTube - and even over 55s are now watching double the amount of YouTube content compared to 2024.

Last month, the BBC suggested the cost of the TV licence could be cut if more people pay the annual charge.

The corporation noted 94 per cent of adults use its services each month - but the number of households paying the licence fee has dropped to 80 per cent - with the downward trend set to continue. 

It comes as the BBC is considering controversial new plans that would require Brits to pay a licence fee to listen to its radio channels or to use its news website.

The corporation has been assessing alternative ways to fund its operations amid the fall in the number of people paying the fee each year. 

Another option being considered is extending the fee so viewers would be charged to stream shows on external services such as Netflix or ITV.

A third change could involve introducing a model where wealthier households pay more, in turn subsidising the licence fee for lower income families.

The fee rose to nearly £180 this year - the highest it has ever been - but some bosses have complained that below inflation rises in recent years have held them back.

They are lobbying for a new deal before 2027, when the royal charter that governs the BBC is due to renew.

The future of the corporation will be decided under its 10th Charter review, which is underway. 

It could result in adverts on the BBC website and on YouTube, as well as subscriptions or paywalls to access some content. 

It is understood that one option discussed at a board meeting in February was to spread out the cost of the licence fee by increasing the number of people who need to pay it.

It is hoped that this would raise more money overall but lower the average cost paid per household.

Currently, Brits must pay the licence fee if they watch live television or any programme on BBC iPlayer.

However, it is not required to tune in to any of the BBC's radio channels, to listen to podcasts or to access its website.

Last year, furious Brits spoke to the Daily Mail about why they are no longer paying their licence fees amid a series of scandals at the broadcaster.

Former Tory MP and ex-BBC staffer Matthew Offord revealed that he stopped paying his licence fee after standing down from his position.

He said: 'I stopped paying the licence fee in April, having struggled to do so for many years.

'I concluded that I would pay it while I was an MP, but when it expired, I could not bring myself to do so. I also withdrew all my pension contributions from the scheme at the BBC.

'The atmosphere was toxic when I was employed, but the continuing behaviour of individuals, the groupthink and the rejection of anti-Semitism in their reporting was too much for me.'

Another former BBC staffer, Robin Whelan, 53, from Surrey, also said he stopped paying the fee when he left the corporation.

He said: 'After many years of paying as a BBC staff member, I stopped. I took stock of what I actually used the BBC for. Its website, radio and a little catch-up.'