Tory secret pact forced us to cut free TV licences
BBC boss blames ‘austerity policy’
LORD Tony Hall has claimed Tory cuts were behind the cynical decision to hand responsibility for funding free TV licences for the over-75s to the BBC.
The Corporation’s Director General accused ministers of making a secret pact on the issue in 2015 and said he was told nothing would stop the move from happening.
It further exposes as a myth the Tory 2017 election manifesto promise to keep the benefit for the duration of this Parliament until 2022.
Lord Hall spoke out after the BBC announced it would means-test the licence fee, meaning around 3.7 million pensioners will lose theirs.
He told the House of Lords Communications Committee: “Remember the context of this… 2015, height of austerity, incoming Conservative Government.
“I remember the conversation with the then Secretary of State very, very clearly… this was going to happen come what may.” Lord Hall also hit back at critics blaming the BBC for axing the free licence.
He added: “We took on this policy and it was made quite clear ... the policy would come to us and we would have to consult on it, and that is exactly what we have done.” The secret pact came during talks over the BBC’s Charter renewal.
But chairman Sir David Clementi said: “They were done behind closed doors with very little input from the BBC and none from the public.”
Shadow Culture Secretary Tom Watson said: “This shows the Tories never intended to protect free licences for older people.”
Axing the free licence means pensioners will have to fork out £154.50 a year. Only those on Pension Credit will qualify for one.
The annual bill to fund the benefit was due to hit £745million.
Tory MP John Whittingdale, the Culture Secretary responsible for the 2015 deal, told last week how those involved knew the decision would end up with free licences being axed.
The Mirror is campaigning to save the free licences, with more than 18,000 readers backing our battle.
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