Calls to end TV licence fee for every State Pensioner passes crucial milestone
More than 21,700 people have signed an online petition urging the UK Government to end the TV licence fee for everyone of State Pension age to help them navigate the ongoing cost of living crisis. The proposal is now entitled to a written response from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport - the government agency responsible for broadcasting in the UK.
At present, only older people over the age of 75 in receipt of Pension Credit currently receive a free TV licence, saving £169.50 on the annual fee. The TV licence is set to rise by £5 to £174.50 from April, however, petition creator Michael Thompson argues that “many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company”.
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The campaigner added: “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.”
Mr Thompson also calls out “huge salaries” being paid to some high profile names at the BBC. He said: “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. Meanwhile, some media figures draw huge salaries.”
The ‘Fund free TV licences for all pensioners’ petition has been posted on the UK Government’s petitions-parliament website. At 100,000 signatures of support, it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament - you can view it online here.
The UK Government recently announced that the BBC TV licence fee will increase in line with inflation each year until 2027.
Who needs to buy a TV licence?
A TV licence is needed in the UK to watch or record any programmes as they are being broadcast live on television
It is also required to watch or stream live programming on any online TV streaming service, such as BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Amazon prime and YouTube
You can check if you need a TV licence on the TV Licensing website here.
Ways to pay for a TV licence
A TV licence currently costs £169.50. You can pay it all in one go, or:
Pay by monthly Direct Debit - from £14 per month
Pay less for your licence if you’re over 75 on Pension Credit, registered blind, or live in a care home
Pay by quarterly Direct Debit - it works out at around £44 per payment
Pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly with a TV Licensing payment card (from £6.50 per week) - once the card is set up you can pay online, through the TV Licensing app, by phone, text message or at any PayPoint
Can I get a discount?
Certain groups are entitled to TV licence discounts such as those who live in care homes, who could get it for free or pay a reduced amount if they are part of an Accommodation for Residential Care scheme - find out more here.
People who are registered blind are entitled to a half price TV Licence (£84.75) and may be eligible for a refund on payments made in previous years - if they have been the registered TV licence holder.
Free TV Licence for over-75s
If you already receive Pension Credit, you can apply for your free over-75 TV Licence when you are 74 years old. TV Licensing will update your payments to cover you until your 75th birthday, at which point you’ll then be covered by your free licence. They will confirm this in writing.
If you think you’re eligible for a free licence but don’t currently have a TV licence, call 0300 790 6117 and speak to an advisor to request an application form. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 6.30pm.
