The BBC is one of our most valued institutions. It nurtures British talent and acts as a creative and economic catalyst in parts of the country where a broadcasting industry might not otherwise exist. That’s why we are so disappointed with the BBC’s ongoing neglect of its largest region: the Midlands & East.

Despite years of promises to rectify the situation, the BBC invests less in the Midlands than in any other part of the UK (2.7% of its network TV budget). This is despite the fact the corporation raises the largest proportion of its licence fee revenue from the Midlands & East (25%). Adding to the unfairness is the BBC’s own claim that its regional investment doubles the rate of growth of the surrounding creative industries. The Midlands is therefore being deprived of hundreds of millions of pounds of economic benefit compared to other parts of the country.

And now the BBC has axed Doctors, one of the few remaining production units in the Midlands, taking jobs and opportunities with it. Promises have been made to reinvest the budget, but thus far no concrete plans have been announced. Meanwhile, productions such as Masterchef and Silent Witness, which were originally hailed as an increase in investment, are now being cited as compensation. Even welcome developments like BBC Birmingham’s new base in Digbeth and the arrival of shows like Garden Rescue do little to make up the shortfall.

The Midlands is a distinct and vibrant part of the country, not a no man's land between the North and South. Midlanders cannot be expected to remain loyal to the BBC while getting back the very least - or sit by as talent is forced to leave for parts of the UK where their licence fee is actually being spent. That is why we demand the following:

• The BBC sets out a detailed and comprehensive plan for how it will reinvest the Doctors budget within the region.
• The BBC must also set out a long-term plan for how it will increase investment in the Midlands so that parity with other regions is finally achieved.
• These plans should include a guaranteed level of production (including scripted) so that the private sector has the necessary confidence to build new facilities.
• Investment must be done in a way that creates jobs based in the Midlands, grows the creative economy, and allows talent to build sustainable careers in their own region.

We’ve seen what amazing things the BBC has done for other parts of the UK once it set its mind to it. We now ask the BBC to apply the same ambition, dedication, and focus to the heart of our country.