SNP: Protect free TV for pensioners
The SNP has called on the UK Government to commit to funding the free TV licence for over-75s.
It comes after the BBC director-general could not confirm if the entitlement for pensioners would continue in two years.
As part of charter renewal negotiations, the BBC took responsibility for maintaining the over75s free licence entitlement from the year 2020.
However, addressing MPS at the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee last week, BBC director-general Tony Hall said the free licence for over-75s would be reviewed by 2020. The rules mean 4.5 million over-75s currently get a free TV licence.
SNP Culture and Media spokesperson, Hannah Bardell, said: “The UK Government must guarantee the free TV licence for over-75s won’t be scrapped – and provide additional funding if required.
“At a time of rising pensioner poverty as a result of Tory austerity cuts, it would be wrong to take away the free TV licence scheme. “The UK Government offers the lowest state pension in the developed world – and older people need more financial support, not less, particularly when living costs are rising.”
BBC director general Lord Hall told MPS other options being considered included means-testing for free licences or removing free licences from those iving with someone under 75.