‘Keep TV free for over-75s throughout crisis’
PLANS to scrap free TV licences for the over-75s should be suspended indefinitely during the coronavirus crisis, the Government has been told.
In a letter to Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, MPs and peers warned the two-month delay in introducing the charge announced earlier this month does not go far enough.
The group wrote: “TV will always be an important lifeline for many older people, providing information and companionship during their later years when many live alone. This is particularly true during the current situation involving
Covid-19 which will see many elderly and more vulnerable people confined to their homes.
“Now is the time for the Government to work together with the BBC to help the nation through the current crisis.
“For the BBC that will be in its role as the national broadcaster providing information to the public in the weeks and months ahead.”
The letter, signed by around 20 peers and MPs, was organised by licence fee campaigner Lord
George Foulkes and signatories include shadow culture secretary Tracy Brabin.
The BBC announced it was delaying TV licence fee changes for the over-75s until August in light of the coronavirus situation.
It plans to scrap the perk and hit nearly four million over-75s with a £157.50 annual bill.
Only homes where someone receives Pension Credit will still be able to tune into the corporation’s services without having to pay.