Will the Beeb see sense?

THE ability of the BBC to shoot itself in the foot would be laughable it weren’t so serious. Its decision to charge the over-75s the full TV licence fee is a kick in the teeth for law-abiding pensioners who have paid taxes all their lives.

What’s more, the timing of this extra burden on the finances of older people could not be worse. Interest rates are at a record low and therefore those who have prudently set aside money for their retirement will be getting little income from their bank or building society accounts.

It is particularly galling that pensioners are being asked to shell out for the often grotesque salaries of some high-profile BBC employees.

How on earth can paying the likes of Alan Shearer more than £400,000 a year for giving his opinions on Match Of The Day once a week be justified?

Claudia Winkleman might be a bright spark – and Strictly, the show she presents – is hugely popular, but is she really worth £370,000 from the public purse?

It’s not too late for Sir Tony Hall, the BBC’s director-general, and his board to come to their senses.They have just 19 days to do this and we urge them to make an about-turn.

There is nothing wrong with changing your mind. In fact, on this issue, the BBC would be applauded and gain some muchneeded respect.