The UK Government has responded to a petition calling for free television licences for all pensioners, stating that no such concession is currently planned. The petition, signed by over 38,400 people, argues that many older people live on the breadline and rely on television for company, especially amid rising living costs.
Petition Demands
The petition, hosted on the UK Parliament website, urges the Government to fund free TV licences for existing pensioners and those reaching retirement age. It highlights that the current £180 annual fee is a burden for many, particularly those not eligible for existing concessions. Campaigners describe it as a "double outrage" that pensioners who have contributed through taxes and raising families must pay, while high-earning media figures do not.
Government Response
The Department for Culture, Media & Sport issued a full response, emphasising that current concessions include free licences for over-75s receiving Pension Credit, blind or severely sight-impaired individuals, and disabled or over-60 residents in qualifying care homes. The Government reaffirmed its commitment to the licence fee and existing concessions until the end of the current BBC Charter period in 2027.
While acknowledging financial hardships, the Government pointed to the expansion of the Simple Payment Plan (SPP), which allows households to pay in instalments. The BBC estimates this could double SPP usage to 500,000 households by 2027. Additionally, the Government highlighted the Triple Lock protection for State Pensions, which will see spending rise by over £30 billion annually by the end of this Parliament, benefiting 12 million pensioners with annual increases of up to £2,100.
Future Considerations
The Government is reviewing BBC funding through the Charter Review Green Paper, which closed for public consultation in March 2026. It is considering new concessions but has ruled out revisiting the over-75s licence decision, as the current means-tested concession targets those most in need. The cost of a universal over-75s concession was estimated at £745 million per year before its amendment in 2020.
The petition will be considered for parliamentary debate if it reaches 100,000 signatures. The Government’s White Paper on the next BBC Royal Charter is expected later this year.
