Boris Johnson vows to save free TV licences for over-75s as a top election priority
BORIS Johnson has vowed to save free TV licences for over-75s as a top election priority.
The PM has ordered officials to find a way to pay for the £745million-a-year perk, warning: “It’s crucial we do this.”
He demanded urgent talks with BBC chiefs to thrash out a funding formula before the “lifeline” is axed next June.
It came as Mr Johnson also pledged to get his Brexit deal done by Christmas if he is returned to No10 with a clear majority on December 12.
But Mr Johnson told The Sun on Sunday he was working hard to thrash out a solution so that no elderly viewers had to pay.
He said: “This needs sorting out urgently and I’ll be talking to the BBC about how to sort that out.”
'NEEDS SORTING'
Tories promised to protect free licences at the 2017 General Election — but then handed responsibility for paying for it to the Beeb.
But the broadcaster has decided that only over-75s on pension credit will be eligible from next summer — meaning that 80 per cent of those who get a free licence will have to cough up.
The BBC claims the cost of the perk will have a big impact on programme quality.
Critics argue that it should slash the eye-watering fees paid to pampered stars.
Senior Tory election planners want to include a free licence pledge in the party’s manifesto.
They have warned that Labour will use the axed perk as a stick to beat them with in the run-up to the poll.
Tory MP Stephen McPartland, who has been campaigning on the issue, said: “The Prime Minister has recognised the public mood on this issue and is right to act.
“But it’s also crucial that the BBC recognises its duty to pay for free TV licences for all over-75s.
Labour’s Gordon Brown introduced free TV licences for the over-75s when Chancellor in 1999.
Eight-year high for pensions rise
STATE pensions will increase by 3.9 per cent to £175.20 from April, the biggest rise in eight years.
The extra £344 a year is due to the “triple lock” which sees pensions rise by the highest of three figures — 2.5 per cent, the inflation rate or, in this case, the average rise in earnings. Millions of people on working-age benefits will get an inflation rise, the Government will confirm this week.
Others, such as the 2.5 million on Universal Credit, will see payments rise by 1.7 per cent.
Work and Pensions Secretary Therese Coffey said: “Our balanced fiscal approach has built a strong economy, with 3.6 million more people in work since 2010.
“And that allows us to bolster the welfare safety net by increasing benefit payments now.”
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