The government has confirmed it is considering new TV licence concessions for pensioners, potentially including free licences, as part of the BBC Charter Review. Minister of State Ian Murray said the government was looking at possible new concessions, while assuring that no existing concessions would be removed.
Government Response to Calls for Free TV Licences
The update came in response to a parliamentary question from Tory MP Matt Vickers, who asked Secretary of State Lisa Nandy about the potential impact of extending free TV licences to pensioners at risk of poverty and social isolation. Minister Murray said the BBC Charter Review Green Paper sought views on ways to make the BBC's funding fairer, including possible new concessions.
Murray stated: "As set out in the Green Paper, we do not plan to remove any existing concessions. This includes the concession for over-75s on pension credit, which targets those most in need of support. In 2024, the government also extended the Simple Payment Plan to support those facing financial hardship to spread the cost of their TV licence."
Petition and Public Support
The government's consideration follows a petition on the Parliament website, signed by more than 66,000 people, calling for free TV licences for all pensioners. The petition, which closed last month, argued that many pensioners live on the breadline and rely on television for company, and that it is unfair they must pay the licence fee unless they receive Pension Credit.
The standard annual BBC TV licence fee is £180 for a colour licence and £60.50 for a black and white licence, effective since April 1, 2026. By law, any household must pay the fee if they watch or record live television, live-stream TV online, or use BBC iPlayer.
Current Concessions and Future Plans
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport confirmed that existing concessions include over-75s in receipt of pension credit, people registered blind or severely sight impaired, and people in qualifying residential care who are disabled or over 60. The government remains committed to the current licence fee and its concessions until the end of 2027.
The government said it is keeping an open mind about new concessions and considering a range of options to better account for different household situations. The Charter Review public consultation closed on 10 March 2026, and policy decisions will be set out in a White Paper expected later this year.
The government also highlighted its commitment to supporting pensioners through the Triple Lock, which is forecast to increase spending on the State Pension by over £30 billion a year compared with 2024/25, with pensioners' yearly incomes rising by up to £2,100.
