Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, has welcomed today’s joint statement by the BBC and the Government on delaying changes to the TV license fee.
The announcement confirmed that planned changes to the TV license fee for over 75s will be postponed until at least August. This issue will then be kept under review.
The BBC had previously made the decision to stop funding free TV licenses for all over 75s from June 2020.
Sir David Clementi, Chairman of the BBC, said:
“The BBC board has decided to delay changes to over 75s licence fees. We are in exceptional circumstances. Now is not the right time. We are fully focussed on delivering our services to the public at this difficult time.”
Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden said:
"I am pleased the BBC has worked with us and agreed to delay their licence fee changes for over 75s from coming in and will keep this under review. It will be welcome news to millions of older people who now don't need to worry about their TV licence during this challenging period. It is right that the BBC have recognised the exceptional circumstances posed by the Coronavirus outbreak and the need for the whole country to pull together in the national effort."
Caroline said:
‘’This is the right decision by the BBC – these are exceptional circumstances and I know this announcement will be very welcome news for older people.
Over the coming months, those over 75 should not have to think about their license fee and this means they can continue to watch TV as normal in the potentially difficult few months ahead.’’