Removal of TV Licenses for over 75s

The recently announced changes to TV licensing fees is a deeply disappointing development. Free TV licences for up to 3.7 million pensioners are being scrapped, with over 75s forced to start paying £154.50 per year to watch live television and BBC iPlayer as of June 2020.  

As far as I am concerned, this is completely unacceptable. This government has forced the BBC into this position. I am proud that the Labour Government introduced free TV licences in 1999, and I am dismayed that the Conservative Government in 2015 refused to continue the subsidy, forcing the financial burden upon the BBC. Despite a Conservative manifesto pledge in the 2017 General Election to protect the free TV licence, this government is now overseeing the removal of this benefit.

Pensioners who have worked hard all their lives should not be forced to face additional fees and financial penalties to access public service broadcasting. Half of all over 75s are living with a disability and many rely on their TV for companionship and entertainment. TV also helps older people stay connected with the world and keep up with current affairs, especially for those without internet access. It will mean millions of elderly and isolated people losing out and will impact over 4,000 households across the Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven area. Furthermore, nearly a third of over 75s are living on the poverty line. £154.50 per year is a large new annual bill that many just cannot afford. Whilst free TV licences will continue for those on pension credit, many who are eligible for pension credit do not receive it. Be sure to check if you are eligible for pension credit here: www.gov.uk/pension-credit.

I have signed motions in Parliament urging the government to live up to its promises on TV licences for older people and I will continue to push them incessantly on this issue. A petition on https://www.ageuk.org.uk/ received over 350,000 signatures and I hope there will be a continued joint effort in opposing this disastrously unfair policy.  


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