- Move will save time and energy for around 7,000 people who
apply for a free licence each month
- Will mean pensioners struggling with the cost of living
receive savings with less hassle
Pensioners on low incomes will find it easier and quicker to
apply for or renew their free TV licence under reforms laid in
Parliament today.
The legislative change will ease the administrative burden put on
eligible over-75s when applying for a free licence. As it stands
those affected are required to obtain and share documentation
with the BBC to prove they are in receipt of Pension Credit.
As the global cost of living continues to rise due to the
economic impact of the pandemic and war in Ukraine, this measure
will support eligible pensioners struggling to keep on top of
their bills to claim the £159 annual saving more quickly and with
less hassle.
Under the new plans the BBC will be able to verify automatically
whether a person applying for a free TV Licence is on Pension
Credit with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It will
mean in most cases the 7,000 people who apply to TV Licensing for
a free licence per month will simply need to apply online or over
the phone without any need to supply additional paperwork.
In 2020 the BBC stopped providing free TV licences for all
over-75s, but those in receipt of Pension Credit - a benefit
which provides extra money for people on the state pension and on
a low income - are still eligible.
Digital Secretary said:
The BBC’s disappointing decision to stop providing free TV
licences for all over-75s has left low-income pensioners who
remain eligible jumping through administrative hoops to avoid
paying the charge.
The changes mean those receiving Pension Credit will get the
savings with minimum fuss, ensuring more people get the support
they are entitled to as we tackle the cost of living and grow the
economy.
Minister for Pensions said:
We want everyone to claim the benefits to which they are
entitled, including Pension Credit which acts as a gateway for
other benefits such as the free TV licence. This change will help
reduce the administrative burden on over-75s and put their minds
at ease.
A statutory instrument has been laid in Parliament today to amend
the Television
Licences Act 2000. The changes to the application process are
expected to come into effect next year.
ENDSNotes to editors
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport SI has
amended the Television Licences (Disclosure of Information) Act
2000 (Prescription of Information) Order 2000.
The Government would not be sharing customer data with the BBC,
but instead will be verifying whether free licence applicants fit
the BBC’s eligibility criteria.
