MP NIGEL Evans has criticised the decision to increase the cost of a TV licence to £150 over the next five years.

Despite pledges that the rises over this period would be below inflation, the Ribble Valley MP said those who could least afford the increases would be hit the hardest.

However Mr Evans commended the Government's decision not to grant the full increase requested by the BBC, labelling that a "great victory".

But he said: "For many people on tight budgets even the three per cent increase announced, putting the licence fee at £135, will be met with derision as this money has to come from somewhere.

"Whilst this increase is officially below the rate of inflation, this will mean families having to find £150 per year for the licence fee once the full effect of the increases over the next five years is felt."

Mr Evans urged the Government to look at the future of public television in the country.

He added: "I have long argued that the licence fee should not go up by the huge amount that the BBC wanted.

"The announcement that a below inflation rise in the licence fee was to be granted to the BBC was a great victory to all of us who see the licence fee as a regressive tax on the elderly and poor."

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell is said to have struck a deal with the Treasury which will see the licence fee held below the retail price index inflation rate of 3.9 per cent for the next six years.

Reports say the TV licence fee will increase by three per cent in 2007 and 2008, followed by two per cent rises in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

A rise of up to two per cent is said to be scheduled for 2012.