Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Rachael Maskell and Baroness Morgan of Cotes

Thursday 3rd October 2019 Commons Chamber

[Liz Twist (Blaydon) (Lab)]

10. If she will make it her policy to maintain free TV licences for people over the age of 75.

[The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Nicky Morgan)]

The Government are very disappointed with the BBC’s decision on the future of the TV licence concession. We know that older people in particular value television as a source of companionship and entertainment, and as a way to stay connected with the world. I have met the chairman of the BBC board and the director-general of the BBC, and I have asked them to do more to help those affected by the decision.

[Rachael Maskell]

Promises matter, and people who are elderly, lonely and housebound are not interested in squabbling in this place or in excuses—they want that promise honoured and their free TV licence. So will the Secretary of State say why she made a promise at the election, why she is letting down older people across the country and what she is going to do about it?