A MP answers a letter about TV licences for those over the age of 75
A pensioner wrote to his Labour MP regarding the BBC being an exception in the entertainment industry in NOT giving concessions to pensioners who are not receiving Pension Credit.
This was the response:-
"Thank you for contacting me about free TV licences for people over the age of 75.
In my view, public broadcasters should not be responsible for social policy and these licences should be guaranteed as a universal benefit.
However, unfortunately the Government believes free TV licences for over-75s should be funded by the BBC. In 2015, the cost of these licences was shifted to the corporation – from 2020 – without the funding to sustain the policy. And, as you know, these TV licences are means-tested, by linking them to Pension Credit. Up to 3.7 million older people are now set to lose their free TV licences.
Older citizens deserve dignity in retirement and reward for their hard work. The free TV licence is an important benefit for pensioners, and I am very concerned that taking it away from over-75s will have left many older people feeling isolated and alone.
I am also aware concerns have been raised about the decision to end the universal free TV licence for over-75s, when the BBC continues to pay high salaries to many of its presenters. As one of the world’s greatest broadcasters, we should not be surprised the BBC’s top stars – who millions of people regularly tune in to watch and listen to – are well paid.
The BBC has a very difficult dilemma. It needs to give licence payers value for money while operating in a competitive commercial environment against other broadcasters who do not have to disclose what they pay. The BBC has said that even if it were to keep all salaries at or below £150,000, this would save only £25 million a year, when free licences for all over-75s would cost £745 million.
I believe the BBC was left in an impossible position over free TV licences for over-75s and the current Government insists it will not take back responsibility for maintaining these licences.
The new Director General will need to address many challenges facing the BBC. I would like to see action to protect free TV licences for over-75s, as well as to promote diversity and close the gender pay gap.
Thank you once again for contacting me about this important issue.
Yours sincerely,"