TV Licences Over-75s Concession
2020-09-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The BBC restricted the over-75 TV licence concession to those on pension credit, affecting many older residents.
What plans does the Government have to reintroduce the TV licence concession for people aged over 75?
The Government remain disappointed by the decision of the BBC to restrict the over-75 concession to those on pension credit. However, the responsibility for that was given to the BBC under the Digital Economy Act 2017, passed by Parliament, and it is a matter for the BBC.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans or actions to reintroduce the concession were not provided.
Responsibility Given To The Bbc
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Many older residents are losing their free TV licences, which means they lose entertainment, news, and companionship as we go into winter.
Will the Minister do the right thing, stop hiding behind the BBC, take another look at this policy, stick to his manifesto commitment and keep free television licences for over-75s until 2022?
The Conservative manifesto did say that we believed it should be funded by the BBC. Those who are on low incomes and are eligible for pension credit will continue to receive a free licence. I hope that all those who may be eligible make sure they receive pension credit. The Government continue to believe that the BBC needs to do more to support older people.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete actions or reconsideration of policy were not provided.
Responsibility Given To The Bbc
Response accuracy