HUNDREDS of thousands of over-75s will struggle to pay bills because of TV licence changes, campaigners warn. From June, only those with pension credits are entitled to a free licence. But Age UK’s Caroline Abrahams said the extra expense would be a “bridge too far” for many. She added: “They face horrible decisions over whether […]
HUNDREDS of thousands of over-75s will struggle to pay bills because of TV licence changes, campaigners warn.
From June, only those with pension credits are entitled to a free licence.
But Age UK’s Caroline Abrahams said the extra expense would be a “bridge too far” for many.
She added: “They face horrible decisions over whether they can afford to continue to watch TV.
“It’s completely wrong to put the oldest people in our society through this.”
Age UK said that TV offers many over-75s a “precious window on the world”, a “means of staying informed and entertained” and “companionship”.
Those that will be hit the hardest are older viewers “struggling on a low fixed income as well as many who are battling loneliness, ill health and disabilities”, according to the charity.
Ms Abrahams urged the BBC and the Government to broker a solution ensuring all over-75s got a free licence.
However Lord Tony Hall, the outgoing director-general of the BBC, has previously argued that it is the Government who is withdrawing the benefit. The BBC has said it cannot afford to take on the financial burden of the TV licences, which cost £154.50 per year, from the Government.
The new rules could mean up to 3.7million pensioners in the UK would no longer receive a free licence from June this year.
PM Boris Johnson said last month he was looking at abolishing the fee.
