Save Free TV Licenses For Over 75's

Age UK Cheshire is urging the local community to back Age UK’s Switched Off: Save free TV licences campaign by signing a national petition to save free TV licences for the over 75s.

The BBC has announced their plans to means-test the TV licence for the over 75s. From June 2020, only those who are claiming Pension Credit will be eligible for the concession. This means that 35,773 older people in Cheshire will lose a benefit they’ve had since 2000.

The petition which has over half a million signatures, urges the Government to take back responsibility for the concession and keep TV licences free for everyone over 75 to prevent 3.7 million older people from missing out.

Half of over 75s are living with a disability, and as such many rely on the television for companionship. Furthermore, with 29% of over 75s living in poverty or just above the poverty line, the Charity warns that if free TV licences are taken away, it is the most vulnerable who’ll suffer. Age UK Cheshire has particular concerns for the 3,124 people in Cheshire who have dementia.

In 2015, the Government decided that the free TV concession should be paid for in future by the BBC, however the corporation have stated that continuing the free scheme would cost a fifth of their budget and significant cuts would need to be made if the BBC were to cover the full cost of the concession. 

The BBC’s decision to link the TV licence concession to Pension Credit is controversial because awareness and uptake of the benefit is limited. Nationally, 40% of those eligible for Pension Credit do not claim and if take up was the same in Cheshire then 5,839 older people would miss out.

Dale Maskell, Chief Executive at Age UK Cheshire,said: “The BBC’s decision will cause a lot of anxiety and distress, but ultimately, this is the Government’s fault. These changes will no doubt see sick and disabled people in their eighties and nineties who are completely dependent on their cherished TV for companionship forced to give it up.

“While means-testing may initially sound fair, it will mean many of our poorest pensioners suffering a big blow to their pockets and to their quality of life. Although publicity about Pension Credit following the BBC’s announcement might increase take-up, many older people find difficulty in applying, are reluctant to share personal financial information or to ask for ‘help’. Mental and physical illnesses might also be barriers in applying. We fear that many older people on low incomes will be missing out on both Pension Credit and the TV licence. “

Age UK Cheshireis urging people of all ages to sign its national petition and share it via social media and also word of mouth.  To sign Age UK’s Switched Off: Save free TV for older people petition click here https://campaigns.ageuk.org.uk/page/34266/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=1unr39mb

Age UK Cheshire encourages anyone who think they may be eligible for Pension Credit to get in touch on 01244 401500