The petition of residents of Barrow and Furness,
Declares that television licences should be free to all those aged over 75; further that free TV licences matter because for many older people television is their main source of news, entertainment and information, and provides a link to the outside world; further that for older people living on very limited budgets, having to pay the full cost of a TV licence would put an even bigger strain on their finances; and further that the plan to make it free to those households who are claiming pension credit will not benefit those most in need - it is well known that pension credit, for a variety of reasons, is massively under-claimed (in this constituency alone up to 1,915 predicted households entitled to, but not claiming, pension credit, to the tune of an estimated £4,649,324); further a related local petition on this matter has received 564 signatures.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to take back responsibility for funding this important concession for all those aged over 75.
And the petitioners remain, etc.—[Official Report, 15 October 2019; Vol. 666, c.259 .]
[P002531]
Observations from the Minister for Media and Data, (Mr Whittingdale):
Section 89 of the Digital Economy Act 2017 provides that the BBC is responsible for the future of the over-75s TV licence fee concession. This reform was subject to public discussion and debated extensively during the passage of the Digital Economy Bill through Parliament.
The BBC announced in June 2019 that only people who are aged 75 and above and in receipt of pension credit will continue to receive a free television licence from June 2020.
The Government recognise the importance of television to people of all ages, particularly for older people who value television as a source of entertainment, companionship and a way to stay connected with the world.
The Government remain disappointed with the BBC’s decision to restrict the over-75 TV licence fee concession to only those aged over 75 and in receipt of pension credit. The Government believe that TV licences for over-75s should be funded by the BBC.
The Government agree that the BBC should set out clear information about how the over-75 concession will operate. It corresponds with the Government’s request to the BBC to do more in supporting those affected by the decision, as it is important that those affected have information that will help them in understanding the steps they can take.
The Government recognise that some of the most vulnerable people may struggle to pay for their TV licence. We have announced a new flexible payment scheme —the simple payment plan—to help vulnerable people, including those over the age of 75, currently struggling to pay the licence fee. Eligible vulnerable customers will be able to spread the cost of their first-year licence equally over 12 months.
Pension credit is an important protection for the retirement incomes of some of our most vulnerable people. The Government remain clear that they want everyone eligible to claim those benefits to which they are entitled. DWP staff in pension centres and jobcentres, including visiting officers, are committed to engaging with people who may be eligible to benefits to provide help and advice about entitlement, as are staff in local authorities who administer housing benefit.