BBC criticised following over-75s licence fee change announcement

The BBC is to go ahead with a plan to end free TV licences for most over-75s

The TaxPayers’ Alliance has slammed the BBC following confirmation that the national broadcast giant will end free TV licences for over-75s.

The BBC announced yesterday (Thursday) that it is to go ahead with over-75s licence fee changes.

The broadcaster is to go ahead with a plan to end free TV licences for most over-75s, after a two-month delay because of the coronavirus pandemic.

That means more than three million households will be asked to start paying the £157.50 fee from August 1.

BBC Chairman Sir David Clementi said the decision had "not been easy", but the broadcaster is under "under severe financial pressure" and a further delay would have had an impact on programmes.

James Roberts, political director of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: "This announcement shows the Beeb would rather fleece pensioners than cut its wasteful diversity budgets and top star salaries. 

“The TV tax is a terrible burden which will now be slammed onto the over 75s, and is a kick in the teeth at such a difficult time for older people.

"Rather than forcing pensioners to pay the hated telly tax, the BBC should acknowledge the current funding model isn’t fit for purpose and step into the 21st century by abolishing the licence fee altogether.”

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