House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

TV Licences: Over-75s Concession

Thursday 24 September 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

Government disappointed by BBC's decision to restrict TV licence concession to over-75s on pension credit.
Responsibility for TV licence policy lies with the BBC under the Digital Economy Act 2017.
Government reiterates commitment to support low-income over-75s through pension credit eligibility.

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Questions & Answers

Q1 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare

Benefits & Welfare

Context

The BBC restricted the over-75 TV licence concession to those on pension credit, affecting many older residents.

Question

What plans does the Government have to reintroduce the TV licence concession for people aged over 75?

Answer from John Whittingdale

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans or actions to reintroduce the concession were not provided.

How: Responsibility Given To The Bbc

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Q2 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare

Culture, Media & Sport

Context

Many older residents are losing their free TV licences, which means they lose entertainment, news, and companionship as we go into winter.

Question

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?

Answer from John Whittingdale

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.