Dame Esther: BBC’S timing on TV licence change is ‘insensitive’

Dame Esther Rantzen has said the BBC’S timing in ending the universal free TV licence for over-75s is “insensitive”.

But the broadcaster and Silver Line founder, 80, said that it was the action of politicians that felt like a “slap in the face to older people”.

Her comments come after the BBC said it would start means-testing the entitlement from August 1, having previously delayed its introduction because of the pandemic.

The BBC has said that continuing the universal entitlement would hit “programmes and services”.

Dame Esther told PA it would have been “kinder” if the BBC waited until September when life could be easier for pensioners.

“The BBC probably feel that their reputation is very high at the moment,” the former That’s Life presenter said.

“So they’re taking advantage of this moment but I think that they should have left it until September, when life would have eased up a bit for all of us, particularly for older people.

“But my main criticism at the moment is for the politicians.

“It was Gordon Brown who decided to make this gift of free television licences, and it was George Osborne (then chancellor) who took it away and said the government would no longer fund it.

“And that’s what feels like a slap in the face to older people.

“I think it’s insensitive timing and the politicians are just using it to scapegoat the BBC when it’s in fact, their responsibility.”

Over-75s must receive pension credit to receive the free TV licence, which costs those who pay £157.50, from August 1.

Picture: PA. Dame Esther Rantzen believes the BBC could have waited until September to change its policy on free TV licences for the over-75s.