BBC plotting to axe free licence fee for over 75s as it’s ‘unfair’ on young Brits
Free television licences for the over-75s could be ditched as BBC chief Lord Hall wants to ensure fairness for everyone – regardless of age
FREE TV licences for over-75s are unfair on young people, BBC director-general Lord Hall has declared.
He spoke as the Beeb yesterday launched a 12-week consultation on the perk’s future.
Lord Hall said many young people struggle to pay bills while old folk get the freebie regardless of wealth. Writing in The Daily Telegraph, he said: “Younger people have been some of the hardest hit in the wake of the financial crisis.
“That raises issues of fairness between the generations. There is also the question of fairness for everyone, regardless of age.”
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “The BBC will take responsibility for free licences for over-75s from 2020.
“It’s right that no decisions will be taken until the public have been fully consulted.” It is estimated that the free licence scheme will cost £1billion by 2030 — a fifth of the BBC’s budget.
But Caroline Abrahams of charity Age UK hit back: “There are two million people aged 75-plus.
“One in two of them is disabled.
“And one in four views the television as their main form of companionship.
“Television is a precious window on the world.”
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