Downing Street has turned on the BBC — vowing to scrap the television licence fee and make viewers pay a subscription. The national broadcaster could also be compelled to downsize and sell off most of its radio stations. Set at £154.50 a year, the licence fee generated £3.69bn for the BBC last year. The plan marks a further escalation of hostilities between No 10 and the corporation following speeches last week by BBC chairman David Clementi, who launched an outspoken defence of the licence fee.