Commentary Part 2: Other Provisions Relating to Public Bodies Section 31: Sianel Pedwar Cymru
81.Section 31 amends the Broadcasting Act 1990 (“the 1990 Act”) by substituting a new section 61 of the 1990 Act, which relates to the funding arrangements of Sianel Pedwar Cymru (“S4C”). The new section 61 removes the provision for S4C’s funding to be linked to the retail price index. It instead makes provision for the Secretary of State to secure such funding as he considers sufficient to cover the costs of S4C providing public services and the broadcasting or distribution of such services.
82.The new section 61(2) of the 1990 Act allows the Secretary of State either to make payments himself or to enter into an agreement with another person for that person to do so, or both.
83.The effect of the new section 61(3) of the 1990 Act is that if S4C were paid an amount that exceeds its costs it could pay back the difference to the person from whom the money was received.