Bectu responds to BBC reversal on BBC Singers

Responding to reports that the BBC will suspend its proposal to disband the BBC Singers in pursuit of alternate funding, Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said:

“This is welcome news for our members, those at the Musicians’ Union and all those involved in the BBC Singers, who via their professionalism and excellence add so much to the creative and social fabric of the UK. We will continue to fully engage with the BBC while they explore alternate funding solutions, and on its proposals for the BBC’s English Orchestras.

“Let us not forget that these proposed cuts and others are occurring in the context of poorly-judged political decisions. The Government’s decision to freeze the licence fee has made damaging cuts inevitable and the reality of this decision is job losses for talented and hardworking people, a loss of cultural output, and ultimately a reduced BBC, from which we all suffer.

“The BBC’s need to seek alternate funding solutions to retain the Singers while making necessary savings, only reinforces the need for a licence fee that keeps pace with inflation and enables long-term planning and stability.”