BBC Finances To Be Examined

For the first time, the National Audit Office (NAO) will be conducting an examination on the BBC's finances.
A spokesman for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport has said the NAO will now be allowed "access to any part of the BBC they wish to look at.”
Later today, the Liberal Democrats will officially announce the terms of the agreement on the final day of the party conference.
The decision follows weeks of negotiation between the BBC Trust and the government.
To ensure good governance and value for money is achieved, the spending watchdog will scrutinise the finances of the BBC. Before, accessing the BBC's books was only possible if invited to do so by the BBC Trust.
The NAO will now be able to access any aspect of the BBC's finances. However it remains to be seen if the NAO would be allowed to publish details about fees and payments.
(BMcN/GK)