It is outrageous lonely over-75s will be forced to pay for TV licences, says Len
FORMER Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman says forcing over-75s to pay for their TV licence is “outrageous”.
Len, 75, slammed the move that will see millions of pensioners having to pay from June 1.
He demanded that the concession is reinstated because he fears OAPS will be plunged into poverty or crippled by loneliness if left without a TV.
It is thought about 3.75 million will have to fork out £154.50 to abide by the law when the licence benefit – which has been free for 20 years – is axed.
Len told the Daily Express: “It’s just outrageous older people will have to start paying for their TV licence soon.
“I know from my work with Age UK that one of the worst things about getting old can be the loneliness.
“There are millions of older people who hardly see a soul and their only form of entertainment, joy and company is the TV set.”
Last year, Age UK delivered a petition signed by more than 634,000 people to Downing Street, demanding Prime Minister Boris Johnson “does the right thing” and reverses the decision.
The concession is being withdrawn after the BBC and ministers failed to agree a compromise, sparking panic among the elderly.
Under BBC plans, over-75s will be required to buy a TV licence or prove they are in receipt of Pension Credit.
If they are unable to do so, they will be breaking the law and could face a £1,000 fine.
It has left millions in fear of being cut off completely from the outside world.
Len said: “Age UK tells me that just over 40 per cent of all over-75s say their TV helps them feel less alone. The cost of the licence fee is a lot of money for many older people and paying it will mean they have to cut back on essential things like heating and food.
“It’s just not right that the free TV licence, which is so highly valued and makes such a big difference to the older generation, is being taken away.” Four-fifths of those polled by Age UK think the Tories should find the money. Television is the main source of company for two in every five people aged 75 and over, with nine in 10 watching it every day, it was discovered.
A TV is particularly important for the two million over-75s who live alone, many of whom will struggle to bear the additional cost of a licence on a single income. Len is the latest celebrity to criticise the decision. Prime Suspect star Dame Helen Mirren described the plan to axe free TV licences as “heartbreaking”.
The Oscar-winning actress, 74, said: “It’s absolutely heartbreaking so many older people are going to lose their free licence, when television plays such an important role in their lives.
“I would urge all those involved, including the Government, to carry on funding free licences for all over-75s.”
The Daily Express and its army of loyal readers have led demands for a rethink, with our Keep Free TV Licences For Over75s campaign generating plenty of support.
The BBC has said charging OAPs is fair because continuing to fund all free TV licences would cost it “£745million a year and rising”.