11-July-2020

The BBC has now confirmed it is going ahead with the plan to end free Tv licenses for most people over the age of 75 on August 1st, 2020. From August 1st, more than three million households will now have to pay the £157.90 annual fee in order to watch live Tv.

The controversial change was originally due to be made on June 1st, 2020, because of the current Covid-19 Pandemic it was paused until now. Only those who receive the Pension Credit Benefit will be exempt from the £157.90 annual fee.

The BBC said the new scheme is “the fairest decision” but the government said it was ” the wrong decision” and Age UK called it “a kick in the teeth.” The BBC Chairman Sir David Clementi said the decision had “not been easy”, but the broadcaster is “under severe financial pressure” and a further delay would have had an impact on programmes.

The BBC had previously said it must make an extra £125 million savings this year as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic, including the cost of delaying the over 75’s changes.