Free TV licences for the over 75's to end.

[Gemini]

I don't know who this is worst for.
Those of you who have got used to having a free licence, or those of us who have never had it (many of who missed out on pensions and bus passes at 60 )

[Enfys]

I think it’s going to hit those people who are just over the pension credit threshold. £154 is a lot if you’re on a tight budget and I know a lot of older people rely so much on the television. I just wish someone could look at the wastage in other areas, overall there must be millions that could be saved and then utilised for other purposes. But I know it doesnt work like that.

[Gemini]

The TV matters much more to many in that age group doesn't it? Often at home more and lonely, and without Neflicks etc that younger generations watch more.

[Glammanana]

Gemini my poor John is devistated he has been looking forward to becoming 75 so he has something back from BBC after all the years we have paid for a licence he is totally gutted .
I think that people just above the threshhold will feel it more than most,when we lived in our apartment we had a subsidised licence for the 16 flats we paid £7.50 per year as we where supported housing complex but as soon as we moved into the bungalow we had to pay the full cost.
To stop people getting into difficulty and possibly ending up in court for non payment the govenment will know who is not claiming PC and could surely deduct the licence amount from their pension surely this is doable at sorce.
Lets wait and see if a change in Govenment maybe it will be top of a new manifesto for who ever wins.

[Daisy]

This may be controversial, and I stress it's just my opinion, but I think the free TV licence should be means tested in some way. Not a detailed 'account for every penny' but something along the lines of being within a stated threshold for pension credits. Nobody wants to pay the licence fee if they don't have to, and I don't think I watch TV enough to warrant the BBC fee, but I accept for a lot of over-75s it's a vital lifeline for entertainment and news. I would rather pay for my licence if it meant that pensioners on very low incomes could benefit.

Failing that, I'm sure some way could be found to give the over-75s and people with certain extra needs a subsidised licence. The BBC could start by not paying extortionate amounts of money to so-called 'stars' and spending millions on vanity projects, and things like ferrying staff backwards and forwards between Salford and London.

[Nanto2girls]

Its bad for those on tight budget. A lot of elderly folk use the tv as company.
In laws will be complaining,but we know they can afford to pay for iT.
Unfortunately some won't be able to afford it.

[WeeGranny]

If the Beeb stopped sending news staff from this country to places where they have local staff to report on 'news' events, they might be able to save a bit more money. For example,Clive Myrie has hardly been at the newsdesk lately but he pops up in all sorts of places and then hands over to the local correspondent. It's not just one person making these trips, there'll be a whole host of back room staff too. They could also cut some salaries too!
Rant over

[Plantaholic]

Very annoying especially when they pay certain people over the top salaries. As I am in an attached annexe to the family, I wonder if I will need to pay it.

[Glammanana]

Plant I would imagine if you are under "one roof" you would be covered the same as if your family had a TV in every room or bedroom it makes sense to me,but one never knows what the powers that be think.

[Plantaholic]

I feel that too Glamm, will consult sil.

[Oma]

I have signed the petition , its a disgrace , The elderly have paid their fair dues and deserve to be able to watch what may be the only company they have free of charge ,
I agree certain people of that age can well afford it and maybe some sort of test on income etc would be beneficial .

I see Ben Fogle has donated this years salary from Animal park towards the TV licences for the elderly .

[Clover]

It’s shameful to take this away from the elderly. I agree some can afford it but even if only one lonely person can’t that’s reason enough to abolish this stupid idea. Goodness knows there are so many other areas that savings could be made.

[Clover]

Oma where can we find the petition please ?

[Enfys]

petition.parliament.uk/petitions/234627

Clover, this is the one I’ve signed.

[Clover]

Oh thanks Enfys.I’ll get onto it.