The Government has issued a significant update to campaigners calling for free television licences to be extended to all state pensioners. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, run by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, has released a fresh statement on the matter, acknowledging it is 'keeping an open mind' regarding 'new concessions' for households.
More than 20,000 people have now backed the appeal. This year the standard UK TV Licence increased to £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 must be aged 75 or over and receiving Pension Credit. Should the petition reach 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for a Parliamentary debate.
Universal free TV licences for 3.7 million pensioners aged 75 and above officially ceased on 31 July 2020. At that time, the BBC stated that funding free licences for all over-75s would have led to 'unprecedented closures'. The petition argues that many pensioners live on the breadline and that the current means-tested exemption is a 'double outrage'.
The Department for Culture, Media & Sport 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.' It added that the Government is committed to the current licence fee and its concessions until the end of 2027, but is 'keeping an open mind about new concessions'.
The department also noted that it does not plan to revisit the decision on over-75s licences, as the BBC provides a concession for those on pension credit, targeting those most in need. It estimated the cost of universal free licences for all over-75s could reach around £745 million per annum prior to its amendment in 2020.
