Over-75s could lose free TV licences

FREE TV licences for over-75s could be axed, the BBC has confirmed. The corporation took over the cost of providing them from the Government as part of its UNDER REVIEW Lord Hall RADIO SIGNALS Our story on Evans’ BBC exit charter renewal negotiations. The move is being phased in from 2018-19 with sole responsibility from 2020.

It is estimated it will cost the broadcaster around £725million and is now under review. BBC director general Lord Hall told MPs: “The concession comes to an end in June 2020. We, the board, have got to decide what to replace it with.”

Pressed on whether free licences for over-75s would be replaced, he said: “It could be the same. The board could say, we will just continue with it as it is. It could be reformed. There’s a whole load of options.”

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