The BBC has been targeted by MP’s claiming that it is helping thousands of employees avoid paying tax.
The corporation was criticised by a report from the Public Accounts Committee claiming that it is helping 1,500 members of its best known faces avoid paying tax as they are hired in a freelance capacity.
Previously the BBC has admitted to paying 300 people in this manner.
MPs have now called for an end to the scheme, with 25,000 contracts to freelancers having been issued, without any knowledge over how they were then paying their tax.
The BBC has now admitted that 4,500 contributors were paid through personal services companies, a third of which were ‘on-screen’.
Such names as Jeremy Paxman, Chris Evans and Fiona Bruce were among those reported to be included.
The BBC commented; “We note the conclusions of the PAC report and will respond to the points raised as part of our detailed review of tax arrangements.”