A campaign urging the government to provide free television licences to all state pensioners has only four weeks left to gather enough signatures for a parliamentary debate. The petition, which calls for the BBC and the Labour government to fund free licences for everyone of state pension age regardless of income, has attracted over 44,000 supporters. It needs 100,000 signatures by 21 July 2026 to secure a discussion in the House of Commons.
Petition Progress and Government Response
The petition states: "We want the Government to fund free TV licences for existing pensioners and those who reach the official retirement age. When people reach retirement age, we think they should receive a state-financed free TV licence." It highlights that many pensioners live on limited incomes, with television as their primary company, and face rising food and energy costs. The petition argues that requiring pensioners to pay the licence fee unless they receive means-tested Pension Credit is unfair, especially when some media figures earn large salaries.
On 1 June 2026, the government responded, noting that concessions exist for over-75s receiving Pension Credit but stating that no free licences for all pensioners are currently planned. The government affirmed its commitment to the current licence fee and concessions until the end of 2027. However, if the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for a parliamentary debate.
Potential Cost and Impact
Extending free TV licences to all state pensioners would cost approximately £2.7 billion. Currently, only those on Pension Credit receive free licences from the Department for Work and Pensions. A rule change aligning free licences with state pension age would qualify millions more individuals aged 66 to 75. The petition remains open until 21 July 2026, and supporters can add their signatures online.
