MPs furious over plans to scrap local radio

The corporation is reportedly considering cutting back local broadcasts to a breakfast show and a late afternoon show, and filling the rest of the airtime with Radio 5 Live. The proposals come as BBC bosses look to make millions of pounds of savings. In a Westminster debate, Elmet and Rothwell Tory MP Alec Shelbrooke said: “I wonder whether the BBC has lost the plot and completely forgotten that it is a public sector broadcaster.”

Angela Smith, Labour MP for Penistone and Stocksbridge, said: “The move to replace all local radio stations with national Radio 5 Live for most of the day would be a retrograde step that people throughout the country will resist.”

A deal struck with the Government means the licence fee which funds the corporation will be frozen for seven years.

Culture Minister Ed Vaizey said: “If these apparent proposals by the BBC are firmed up, MPs will have a chance to lobby the BBC Trust and perhaps persuade its members that there are better ways to go forward.”