BoJo blasted by councillor in TV licence row
Westminster has been blasted for “copping out” over the decision to axe free TV licences for OAPs.
Councillor Andy Doig says he is “incensed” after the government washed its hands over the row, sparked by the BBC announcing it would start charging over-75s.
Renfrewshire Council wrote to Prime Minister Boris Johnson urging a rethink — but was told the matter should be resolved by the BBC.
Councillor Doig said: “The response on behalf of Boris Johnson says ‘The future of the concession is entirely a matter for the BBC’.
“Technically, this is true.
“But the council asked for a specific amendment to the current legislation to allow it to plug any funding gap to allow the concession to continue.
“Mr Johnson is simply refusing to address this key issue as to why the BBC is struggling.
“He is a complete hypocrite on this matter.
“During his recent leadership campaign, when he was desperate to get the votes of the pearl and twinset brigade in the English shires, he made no secret of his vow, which was extensively reported publicly, to uphold the 2017 Tory manifesto pledge to keep the concession.
“This is now a Tory U-turn of staggering proportions.”
Free TV licences for over-75s will only be available to those on Pension Credit from next June.
Downing Street has refused to accept any responsibility for the axe, insisting it is an issue for the broadcaster.
Bosses previously revealed they would have to make huge cuts to afford footing the bill.
Options had included making over-75s pay half the cost of a TV licence, currently £ 154.50, or raising the entitlement age to 80.
The decision was made by the BBC board after more than 190,000 responses to a consultation.
The Tories vowed at the 2017 election to keep the perk enjoyed by 4.5million households.
But 3.75 million households are now set to lose out.
Only the poorest 900,000 pensioners will be protected.
Campaigners had previously branded the idea of meanstesting an “abject disaster”.
It would, however, slash the cost for the service from £745million to around £250m by 2021/22,
Councillor Doig, independent member for Johnstone North, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch, raised a motion at a recent local authority summit stating Renfrewshire’s opposition to the move.
He added: “Following the successful motion, where all councillors, regardless of party colours, spoke with one voice, and called on Westminster to amend the Digital Economy Act.
“This would allow the government to fund free TV licences for all over-75s.
“The council has received a reply from Westminster which is a complete cop out.
“I am incensed by this callous decision which could see a whole swathe of the most vulnerable in my ward denied what might be a lifeline to the world — their TV.
“This is nothing less than a policy of social apartheid for the housebound, the very old who may be very ill.
“It is high time Prime Minister Johnson put his money where his mouth is.”
Ministers insisted they were “disappointed” with the decision, but say it must be resolved by the broadcaster.
A spokesman said: “We’ve been clear we expected the BBC to continue this concession.
“People across the country value TV as a way to stay connected and we want the BBC to look again at ways to support older people.
“Taxpayers want to see the BBC using its substantial licence fee income in an appropriate way to ensure it delivers for UK
audiences.”