A campaign to secure free TV licences for all state pensioners is entering its final two weeks, with a petition on the Parliament website needing to reach 100,000 signatures by 21 July to be considered for a debate. As of the latest count, the petition has garnered 47,819 signatures, up from around 10,000 in recent weeks.
Government Response and Concessions
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has issued a statement confirming it is 'keeping an open mind' regarding 'new concessions' for households. This follows the petition's achievement of 10,000 signatures, which triggered a mandatory formal response from the government. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is currently working on the BBC's future, and the petition could intensify pressure on her to consider changes.
The DCMS stated: "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 added that it is committed to the current licence fee and its available concessions until the end of 2027, as part of the BBC Charter Review.
Current TV Licence Costs and Eligibility
The standard UK TV Licence costs £180 annually, while a black-and-white only licence costs £60.50. To qualify for a free TV licence as a pensioner, either the individual or their partner residing at the same address must be aged 75 or over and receiving Pension Credit. Universal free TV licences for the 3.7 million pensioners aged 75 and over were discontinued on 31 July 2020, with the BBC citing that subsidising free licences for all over-75s would have led to 'unprecedented closures'.
Petition Demands and Public Support
The petition declares: "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 the financial strain on pensioners, stating: "Many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company. With the cost of food soaring and utility bills ever higher, we feel there is a desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession."
The petition also criticises the means-tested system: "We feel it is a double outrage that those who have given their all to this country in taxes and raising children have to pay a TV licence fee and are only exempt if they receive means-tested Pension Credit."
Impact and Next Steps
If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for a parliamentary debate, intensifying pressure on the DCMS to justify its stance. The DCMS noted that 94% of adults use the BBC each month, yet fewer than 80% of households pay the licence fee, contributing to ongoing pressure on the BBC's funding. The department estimated that the cost of a universal TV licence concession for all over-75s could reach around £745 million per annum prior to its amendment in 2020.
Supporters have until 21 July to add their names to the petition. The DCMS has indicated it is 'considering concessions' but has not committed to changing the current policy.
