All state pensioners could be entitled to a free TV licence as soon as they reach retirement age – if a new petition is successful in persuading a future Labour government. The petition, which has gained 30,000 signatures on the Parliamentary website, calls for the Government to fund free TV licences for all existing pensioners and those who reach the official retirement age.
It argues that many pensioners live in poverty and rely on their TV for companionship, and that it is unfair that they have to pay a licence fee while some media figures earn large salaries. The petition states: “We want the Government to fund free TV licences for existing pensioners and those who reach the official retirement age. When people reach retirement age, we think they should receive a state-financed free TV licence.”
It adds: “Many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company. With the cost of food soaring and utility bills ever higher, we feel there is a desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession.”
As the petition has exceeded 10,000 signatures, the Government will respond within five days. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament. The price of a TV licence is set to rise by 2.9 percent, a £5 hike, bringing the annual cost to £174.50 from April onwards, reports Birmingham Live.
A black and white licence will now set viewers back £58.50 a year. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has indicated that starting from next April, the annual BBC licence fee will increase by £5 to £174.50, corresponding with the average CPI inflation rate of 2.96% measured from October 2023 to September 2024.
“We welcome confirmation that the licence fee will increase in line with inflation next year,” mentioned a BBC spokesperson. “We want everyone to get value from the licence fee and we are committed to delivering trusted news, the best homegrown storytelling and those special moments that bring us together.”