The review of the BBC Charter, which sets out how the broadcaster is governed, regulated and funded, takes place about every ten years. The current process started with the launch of the Government’s consultation in December. 

To help shape the next Charter, which is due to come into effect at the start of 2028, the Committee is now launching an inquiry on the future purpose, governance and funding of the corporation ahead of making its recommendations to the Government. 

Backbench Business Committee debates offer MPs a vital route to raise issues on behalf of their constituents, and since its establishment the Committee has ensured that backbench voices are heard regularly.

The Petitions Committee has facilitated many debates on e-petitions started by members of the public, ensuring that issues with significant public support are brought before the House. Many of these debates have helped raise the profile of important issues and, in some cases, led to tangible action being taken.

The Modernisation Committee’s inquiry will look at whether the current allocation of time for Petitions and Backbench Business debates is appropriate and effective. It will also explore other issues such as whether some e-petitions debates should take place in the Chamber on a more regular basis.

MPs on the Committee will also explore the issues highlighted in the Backbench Business Committee’s 15 anniversary report, and how the House can continue to support and strengthen the Committee’s work.

Terms of Reference

The Backbench Business Committee has 35 days allotted in each session for proceedings in the Chamber/Westminster Hall on backbench business, of which at least 27 should be in the Chamber. More information can be found on their website. The Petitions Committee can schedule a petition or petitions for debate in Westminster Hall on a Monday from 4.30pm, for up to three hours. More information is available here.

We will be exploring the following questions as part of our inquiry:

        1. Is the current allocation of time for Petitions and Backbench Business debates appropriate and effective?

• What impact, if any, does the timing and scheduling of debates have on attendance?

  2. Are the 35 days allocated to the Backbench Business Committee appropriate in the context of other demands on the House’s time?

        3. Is the current allocation of Backbench Business debates between the Chamber (27 days) and Westminster Hall          (8 days) correct?

        4. Are there any improvements that could be made to the Backbench Business Committee’s process to agree                applications for backbench business debates (including ensuring debates are popular amongst members and on            topical subjects)?

        5. Are the existing mechanisms available for the Petitions Committee to hold debates in the Chamber (to apply              via Backbench Business Committee, or to be allocated time by the Government) sufficient or should the Petitions          Committee have guaranteed time in the Chamber?

The Office for National Statistics estimated that tourism in the UK accounted for £58 billion of economic output in 2023, while 2024 was the first year since the COVID-19 pandemic that visitor numbers have exceeded 2019 levels.

With the Government setting an ambition for overseas visitor numbers to rise from 42.5 million in 2024 to 50 million by 2030, the inquiry will consider whether its current policies are supporting the growth, international competitiveness and long-term resilience of the sector.

The inquiry will also examine the impact of policy changes, including the proposal to give mayors powers to charge an overnight levy, alongside wider challenges such as energy price inflation and rising employment costs.

MPs will also investigate the sector’s recovery from the pandemic and the effectiveness of the DCMS’s work with VisitBritain, VisitEngland and devolved administrations.