Pensions - Articles - Comment on BBCs verdict to end free TV licences for over 75s

 “The BBC’s announcement that it will go ahead with plans to end free TV licences to those over 75s who are not entitled to pension credit from 1 August, after a 2 month delay, has once again stoked intergenerational tensions. Coming at a time when many over 75s will be particularly concerned over the health risks of being out and about doesn’t help.

 The BBC has to meet its expenditure from TV licenses, and a U-Turn once again offering free TV licenses to all over 75s, whatever their income or wealth, would mean less to spend on programmes or an increase in the license fee for others including some in younger generations who may be equally stretched. Most pensioners have to get by on a fixed income and there will be some over 75s, not entitled to pension credit, who’ll face a real challenge in meeting the extra costs from 1 August.”