Gloria’s TV licence plea
Host: Keep it free for over-75s
Hunniford BBC presenter Gloria Hunniford says it would be a “tragedy” if the corporation scraps free licence fees for over-75s.
The scheme is under review and could be axed in two years. Rip Off Britain host Gloria said of the plans: “It would be a tragedy, as there are a lot of people who are older who depend on their TV so much. It’s a lifeline, so it would be a real shame to lose that.”
Last month, Director-General Lord Hall said the BBC is considering scrapping free licences for older users. The Government previously reimbursed the Beeb, but the corporation is due to foot the annual £725million bill from 2020.
Gloria, 78, revealed she does take advantage of the free licence offer.
“I don’t take any concessions. I don’t have a free TV licence or a bus pass,” she said, speaking at the
Pinktober Gala at The Dorchester hotel, Central London.
Gloria also spoke of her pain at seeing clips of her daughter, Caron Keating, during This Morning 30th anniversary celebrations on ITV.
She said: “At one point, she looked so bubbly and full of life and it choked me up.” TV host Caron died of breast cancer age 41 in 2004.