The BBC should sort out its spending before it scraps free licences
SIR – The BBC’S decision to scrap the free licence for most ordinary pensioners (report, June 11) is shameful.
Many elderly folk rely on the BBC for their news and entertainment. The imposition of more than £150 a year is most unwelcome – particularly considering the generous sums paid to many presenters. Patrick Neville
Louth, Lincolnshire
SIR – I will not object to paying for my TV licence.
However, if I were running the BBC, I would think hard about its costs. Just look at the credits at the end of every programme. Is it possible that overstaffing is a problem too? David Owen
Eldwick, West Yorkshire
SIR – Will the BBC now start producing programmes that over-75s might actually enjoy? Donald Liddell
Salisbury, Wiltshire SIR – The BBC’S entire model is out of date.
Why should someone who works during the day pay for daytime television? Why should somebody who hates sport pay for televised sport?
We should pay for what we want – not what we are given. Paul Brazier
Wotton-under-edge, Gloucestershire
SIR – The BBC is extraordinarily good value for money compared with Sky, Netflix and Amazon, to which I pay nearly £100 a month.
I am 75 this year and will be happy to continue paying my licence fee. However, I would be happier still if the BBC discontinued its extremely aggressive pursuit of homes without a licence. I have a house that has been empty for a few months, and the threatening manner in which the licence fee collectors have contacted me is unacceptable. Philip Marchant
Saffron Walden, Essex SIR – Although I appreciate the need for the BBC to be financially viable, I also think it would be fairer – and more sympathetic – to allow those over 75 who currently enjoy the benefit of a free licence to continue to receive one. David Vetch
Smallfield, Surrey
SIR – If the Government wants some people to receive free television licences, then it – and not the service provider – should take responsibility for meeting the cost.
After all, we don’t expect high street chemists to pay for the provision of free prescriptions. Hugh Payne
Hitchin, Hertfordshire
SIR – The BBC’S decision on free licences follows a poll that suggested 52 per cent of the public supported reform.
Is there a lesson here? Jenny Brannock
Tring, Hertfordshire