TV licence fee could increase by €44

CONSUMERS face a possible 44 hike in their licence fee after a Government think-tank recommended an increase.

The decision on the size of any rise in line with the recommendation of the Forum on Broadcasting report could come before the end of the year.

The TV licence should also be index-linked to inflation, meaning the cost will rise each year, and a higher fee should be charged to commercial premises such as pubs and hotels, the report says.