BBC likely to name stars paid more than £150,000

The BBC will have to name all employees and presenters paid more than £150,000 a year, under government plans.

The clause will be included in a draft of the BBC’s next Royal Charter, to be published later.

Currently, the BBC reveals the salary details of executives who earn more than £150,000, but the government wants it to go further.

The BBC has said releasing stars’ salary details would affect its ability to attract and retain top talent.

The corporation added that it had cut the amount it pays its broadcasting stars by £8m. he government wants the BBC to publish the salary details of all its staff, including on-air presenters, who earn more than £150,000 - and specify which £50,000 salary band they fall in to - in next year’s annual report.

The original plan announced in the government’s White Paper in May set the level of disclosure at £450,000, which would have affected names including Chris Evans, Gary Lineker and Graham Norton, but following months of negotiation, a lower limit has been decided on.

The lower threshold would increase the number of current stars whose salaries would be made public from seven to 109.

Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman - one of those expected to be on the list - said last week she was ‘all for’ BBC stars’ earnings being disclosed because they are ‘working for the public’, according to a news agency.