Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ruth Jones and Diana Johnson

Thursday 16th January 2020 Commons Chamber

[Ruth Jones (Newport West) (Lab)]

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

[Dame Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab)]

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

[The Minister for Sport, Media and Creative Industries (Nigel Adams)]

The Government are disappointed with the BBC’s decision to restrict the over-75 licence fee concession to those in receipt of pension credit. As we said in our manifesto, we recognise the value of the free TV licence for over-75s, and they should be funded by the BBC. We know that taxpayers want to see the BBC using its substantial licence fee income in an appropriate way to ensure it delivers for UK audiences.