Update on BBC TV Licence fee for pensioners

The UK Government has dismissed an online petition's proposals for the TV licence fee of £174.50 to be state-funded for all State Pensioners.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) responded in writing that there are a "number of TV licence concessions available, including for over-75s in receipt of Pension Credit" but did not rule out future changes to these concessions.

The DCMS clarified that there is "no BBC concession to provide free TV licences for all pensioners at this time", before outlining the current concessions available for people who are registered blind or severely sight impaired, as well as those residing in qualifying residential care who are disabled or over 60 years old, as reported by the Daily Record.

The DCMS response went on to say: "The Government is committed to the current licence fee for the remainder of this Charter and, as such, will not be changing the available concessions at this stage."

It added: "The BBC remains responsible for the over-75s concession, including the decision to provide free TV licences for over-75s in receipt of Pension Credit. Given the existing BBC concession, we have no plans to introduce a new Government concession for all pensioners at this time.

"However, the Government is absolutely committed to supporting pensioners and giving them the dignity and security they deserve in retirement."

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced that the UK Government is significantly extending the Simple Payment Plan (SPP), a scheme that allows households struggling financially to break down their annual payment into more manageable fortnightly and monthly instalments.

According to the BBC's analysis, this expansion could potentially double the number of households using the SPP to around 500,000 by the end of 2027.

In response to the petition, it was stated: "Looking further ahead, the Secretary of State has been clear that the BBC must be funded by a model that is sustainable and fair to all those that are paying it. The forthcoming Charter Review is a key opportunity to set the BBC up for success long into the future.

"It will consider a range of options for funding the BBC, including how they can support the BBC in a way that is sustainable and fair. We are thinking creatively about options for the future, to ensure we future-proof our national broadcaster for many years to come.

"In taking this work forward, the Government will take into account a range of factors such as affordability and fairness when considering the future funding model of the BBC, and what obligations should continue to be placed on members of the public. In doing so the Government will consider existing concessions and whether any new concessions may be justified."

The DCMS stated: "As we progress Charter Review we will work closely with the BBC, and engage with other broadcasters, stakeholders across the creative industries as well as the British public to inform our thinking.

"This will include the opportunity for stakeholders and audiences across the country to respond to the Charter Review public consultation before the new charter comes into effect in 2028."

Over 13,000 people have already signed the petition on the Petitions Parliament website. If it reaches 100,000 signatures of support, it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament.

Wondering if you need to buy a TV licence?

• A TV licence is needed in the UK to watch or record any programmes as they are being broadcast live on television
• It is also required to watch or stream live programming on any online TV streaming service, such as BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Amazon prime and YouTube

You can check if you need a TV licence on the TV Licensing website here.

How to pay for a TV licence

A TV licence costs £174.50. You can either pay it all at once, or:

• Pay by monthly Direct Debit - from £14.50 per month
• Pay less for your licence if you're over 75 on Pension Credit, registered blind, or live in a care home
• Pay by quarterly Direct Debit - it works out at around £45 per payment
• Pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly with a TV Licensing payment card (from £6.50 per week) - once the card is set up you can pay online, through the TV Licensing app, by phone, text message or at any PayPoint

Are there any discounts available?

Certain groups are eligible for TV licence discounts such as those residing in care homes, who might get it for free or pay a reduced amount if they are part of an Accommodation for Residential Care scheme - find out more here.

People who are registered blind or severely sight impaired are entitled to a half price TV Licence (£87.25) and may be eligible for a refund on payments made in previous years - if they have been the registered TV licence holder.

Free TV Licence for over-75s

If you're already a recipient of Pension Credit, you can apply for your complimentary over-75 TV Licence when you reach 74 years of age. TV Licensing will adjust your payments to cover you until your 75th birthday, at which point your free licence will kick in. They'll confirm this in writing.

If you believe you qualify for a free licence but don't currently possess a TV licence, ring 0300 790 6117 and have a chat with an advisor to request an application form. The lines are open from Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 6.30pm.

Certain groups are eligible for TV licence discounts such as those residing in care homes, who could receive it for free or pay a reduced amount if they are part of an Accommodation for Residential Care scheme - find out more here.

People who are registered blind or severely sight impaired are entitled to a half price TV Licence (£87.25) and may be eligible for a refund on payments made in previous years - if they have been the registered TV licence holder.

Free TV Licence for over-75s.

If you're already a recipient of Pension Credit, you can apply for your complimentary over-75 TV Licence when you reach the age of 74. TV Licensing will adjust your payments to ensure coverage until your 75th birthday, at which point your free licence will take effect.

They will confirm this in writing.

If you believe you qualify for a free licence but currently don't possess a TV licence, ring 0300 790 6117 and speak with an advisor to request an application form. The lines are open from Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 6.30pm.