BBC criticised as over-75s may have to show bank statements for free television licence

CAMPAIGNERS have criticised the BBC for permitting Capita to ask over75s to hand over bank statements to prove they are eligible for a free television licence.

Age UK has said the “administrative headache” for millions of people could see older people abandoning their right to a free licence because they are worried about fraud.

The condemnation comes amid separate concerns the elderly are among those most often targeted by fraudsters trying to persuade the vulnerable to hand over sensitive information as part of financial scams.

Since Saturday, only over-75s who receive pension credit remain exempt from paying the £157.50-a-year fee.

But, it has emerged Capita telephone helpline staff hired by the BBC have the option to ask callers to send copies of their bank statements as proof they are in receipt of the Government payouts. Campaigners fear that option sends a mixed message to the old, who are so often urged to be wary of such requests.

Caroline Abrahams, the director of the Age UK charity, and the Labour peer Lord Foulkes of Cumnock, who have both campaigned against making the over-75s pay for their television licence, say the move puts the elderly at greater risk of theft and fraud.

Helpline advisers usually ask callers to send in a photocopy of their pension credit documents. But, as a last resort, they have the option to see whether the pensioner would send in a copy of their bank statement so that the Government payment could be seen.

Ms Abrahams said older people would be upset by the suggestion they may have to go out to copy documents or send in original papers, describing the move as an “administrative headache”.

She said: “Sharing sensitive data with the Government is one thing, but with our national broadcaster and their agents it’s quite another.”

Lord Foulkes, the former director of Age Concern Scotland who predicted cancelling the free licence would lead to chaos, said he had received letters from elderly people afraid they could fall victim to scams. “For Capita and the BBC to have the option to ask for such documents is disgraceful. Posting bank statements could lead to identity theft.”

A BBC spokesman said: “If older people don’t wish to leave their home or can’t go online, call centre staff will prioritise a verbal declaration process to identify if customers are in receipt of pension credit … TV Licensing is not actively seeking bank statements – this is simply an option, and we don’t expect to make very much use of it.”

‘For Capita and the BBC to have the option to ask for such documents is disgraceful’