OAPs like me rely on the TV for company
Readers blast plan to axe licence
MIRROR readers are up in arms over plans to scrap free TV licences for most over-75s.
They inundated us with letters urging the Tories to keep their 2017 manifesto pledge to protect the lifeline for all households with someone aged at least 75.
The party had promised to keep the £ 154.50- a- year licences free for this Parliament, due to run to 2022.
But slippery ministers had already handed the BBC responsibility for funding the £ 745million per year cost from June 2020.
Last week it said only over-75s receiving Pension Credit would be eligible – triggering a huge backlash.
Some 3.7 million OAPs face being stripped of the lifeline.
Age UK’s Switched Off petition demanding “the Government takes back responsibility for funding free licences” was on course to hit 550,000 signatures last night.
Charity boss Caroline Abrahams said it “demonstrates the strength of public feeling”.
BBC director-general Lord Tony Hall is set to be quizzed by the Lords Communications Committee on the matter tomorrow.
Tory leadership hopeful Jeremy Hunt promised yesterday that if he won he would keep the benefit.
ben.glaze@mirror.co.uk @benglaze
Should the over-75s have to pay the TV licence? In solidarity with their plight, I think all those under 75 years of age should withhold their payment until the BBC understand their folly.
Being in receipt of Pension Credit I may get my licence free. However, I shall get rid of my TV if those less fortunate have to pay. Mirror, keep campaigning for “human rights” and “decency”.
Alan Ainsworth, Didsbury, Manchester
This time last week they were patting us on the back for the D-Day landings. This week they are stabbing us in the back.
C Downry, Newhaven, East Sussex
Instead of cutting the licence fee, what about cutting the money out of what you pay the millionaire football pundits. It would be a great idea...Come on, be honest and get everything out in the open. I am a football fan, but I am not a fan of that rubbish.
AJ Ray, Watford, Hertfordshire
I am 83. I Lost my husband 8 months ago after 66 years together. My husband used to call me his little angel and so our marriage was made in heaven. I pay every bill as it arrives and go without food or heating if the bill takes all my pension.
So please don’t let us pensioners have to pay a TV l icence. That wou ld mean just the radio, the TV would have to go.
Patricia Beverley, Darlington
I am a widow of nearly three years and was with my husband from the age of 15. I’m now turned 80 and what gets me through each day is my telly. Please think of all the others like me who rely on TV for company.
Mrs Margaret Turnbull, Fulwell, Sunderland
I am approaching 91 years of age. I have my heating on day and night.
I have to have it on number 25 all day then at night I turn it down to 18 and go to bed very early and watch my little TV in bed which is the only bit of pleasure I have after looking at four walls all day. If it is that I have to play for a licence I shall give it to charity because there is no way I could pay for a licence on top of my heating which I can’t live without.
Mr Darrel Edge, Buxton, Derbyshire
If they m ake us p ay for a TV lic ence, what else is to come? I lost my husband 5 years ago. Without my TV to keep my brain alive what else is there? I support you all the way.
Mrs Ailsa Simpson, Wetherby, Yorkshire
It is the only pleasure we have; don’t smoke or drink, gave our car up as we could not afford to run it. Why are there so many newscasters on the telly early hours? Do they really need all those people?
Mrs Iris Evenett, Westcliff-on-sea, Essex
I am 85, I live in a remote part of Cornwall, and sometimes my TV is my only companion. I cannot afford a TV licence.
Mrs A Williams, Looe, Cornwall
I am 92 years of age living alone, disabled with chronic arthritis. I have not seen a soul in my neighbourhood during the past 10 years since I lost my husband. Spending more hours of the day in bed than I do on my feet. Apart from my little cat, my TV is the only contact I have with life.
Mrs Joyce Hutley, Eastbourne, East Sussex
Please don’t stop giving free TV licences to over-75s as some of them have worked all their lives and never claimed a penny until their state pension. Some people have never worked in their lives and can get Pension Credit and get a free licence.
Mrs Kathleen Edwards, Gilfach Goch, Porth, Mid Glams