The UK Government has officially rejected a petition calling for free television licences for all pensioners, confirming that there are no plans to introduce a universal concession. The response comes as more than 59,400 people signed an online petition demanding that the £180 annual fee be scrapped for everyone who has reached State Pension age.
Petition and Government Response
The petition, titled 'Fund Free TV licences for all pensioners', was posted on the Petitions Parliament website. It argues that many older people are struggling with the rising cost of living and rely on television for companionship, especially those living alone. However, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) issued a written response earlier this week stating that it does not support extending the concession to all pensioners.
The DCMS said: "There are a number of TV licence concessions available, including for over-75s in receipt of Pension Credit. There is no BBC concession to provide free TV licences for all pensioners at this time." The government also confirmed it does not intend to reverse changes introduced in 2020, when free TV licences for all over-75s were replaced with a concession targeted at pensioners receiving Pension Credit.
Current Concessions and Eligibility
Currently, people aged 75 and over who receive Pension Credit can apply for a free TV licence. Other concessions are available for people who are registered blind or severely sight impaired, who are entitled to a half-price licence (£90), as well as some people living in residential care. The government emphasized that it remains committed to maintaining the current TV licence fee system and existing concessions until the end of the current BBC Charter period in 2027.
Cost and Wider Support for Pensioners
The DCMS response highlighted that before the concession was changed in 2020, the cost of providing free TV licences to all over-75s was estimated to reach around £745 million a year. The government also pointed to wider support for pensioners, including the State Pension Triple Lock. Spending on the State Pension due to the Triple Lock commitment is forecast to be more than £30 billion higher each year by the end of the current Parliament compared with 2024/25. Both the Basic and New State Pension increased by 4.8% in April this year, boosting annual incomes for millions of pensioners.
Future of TV Licence Concessions
While the DCMS ruled out restoring a universal free TV licence scheme, it said it is keeping an open mind about future BBC funding arrangements and potential concessions as part of the ongoing BBC Charter Review. The government also confirmed it does not plan to remove any existing TV licence concessions. The petition, which has over 59,400 signatures, would need 100,000 signatures to be considered for debate in Parliament by the Petitions Committee.
How to Pay and Discounts
A TV licence costs £180 and can be paid in full or via monthly Direct Debit from £15 per month, quarterly Direct Debit at around £46.25 per payment, or weekly/fortnightly/monthly with a payment card from £6.50 per week. Discounts are available for those in residential care and for registered blind or severely sight impaired individuals. Eligible over-75s on Pension Credit can apply for a free licence from age 74 by calling 0300 790 6117.
