The BBC has confirmed it will proceed with plans to end free television licences for the majority of over-75s, starting 1 August, following a two-month delay due to the coronavirus pandemic. More than three million households will now be required to pay the full £157.50 fee, with only those receiving Pension Credit remaining exempt.
BBC Chairman Sir David Clementi described the decision as "not easy" but necessary, citing severe financial pressures. The corporation warned that continuing free licences for all over-75s could cost up to £1bn annually due to an ageing population, and that further delays would impact programming. The BBC also noted it must find an additional £125m in savings this year as a result of the pandemic.
The government criticised the move, with a spokesman for Prime Minister Boris Johnson calling it the "wrong decision" and insisting the BBC should fund the licences itself. Culture Minister Matt Warman expressed "deep frustration", while Labour's shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens accused the government of "betrayal" for failing to fund the scheme after promising to do so.
Age UK described the change as "a kick in the teeth" for millions of older people, warning that many would face impossible choices between paying for a TV licence and other essentials. The charity urged the BBC and government to negotiate a solution. Conservative MP Julian Knight, chair of the culture select committee, called the situation "a mess" and a "body blow" to pensioners.
The change affects those who previously benefited from a government-funded scheme, responsibility for which was transferred to the BBC in the last licence fee settlement. The BBC had originally planned to implement the change on 1 June but delayed it due to the pandemic, costing £35m per month.
