Scrapping over-75 BBC TV licence is ‘a kick in the teeth’
LABOUR figures in Halton have blasted the Govermnent for cancelling its funding of free TV Licences for the over-75s.
East Runcorn MP Mike Amesbury accused ministers of breaking a manifesto pledge over the matter and trying to blame the BBC.
Cllr Rob Polhill, Halton Borough Council leader, said he was ‘bitterly disappointed’ and branded the move a ‘kick in the teeth’.
The change had been due to come into effect on June 1 but was postponed to August 1 because of the pandemic.
The BBC has said recipients of Pension Credit will be exempt from paying the £157.50 fee.
It added that the cost of funding the licence for over-75s could reach £1bn a year due to the nation’s aging population.
Under UK law, TV viewers need a licence to watch, record, download or stream programmes on any channel or device.
In a statement to the Weekly News, Mr Amesbury, Labour MP for Weaver Vale, said: “It’s a disgrace, quite frankly, that the Government is refusing to fund TV licences for the over-75s.
“I’ve been inundated with messages from constituents who are desperately wondering how they or their elderly relatives are going to afford it and fear the wider impact it’s going to have on them.
“This decision breaks a previous Conservative manifesto pledge to fund these licences, but the Government has once again sadly but rather predictably passed the buck and blamed the BBC which has already been ravaged by cuts.
“Now more than ever, this is a service many elderly people are relying upon during what are difficult times where they often find themselves isolated, and also in terms of being able to access important news and information.
“It will also have a detrimental impact on their finances during a time when they can least afford it.
“The Government must do the right thing, stop shifting the blame, and stand by its promises.”
Cllr Polhill tweeted: “I’m bitterly disappointed by today’s #TVLicence decision. This is a kick in the teeth for millions of over 75s who have had a torrid time during this crisis.
“I agree with @age_uk that @10DowningStreet & the @BBC must sit down and agree a solution to keep TV licences free.”