𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

A once-in-a-decade review of the BBC has sparked renewed calls for free TV licences to be restored to all pensioners. The Government will look at reforming the licence fee and more commercial options for the corporation in its Royal Charter review, which was launched on Tuesday.

Campaigners used the opportunity to call for the “cruel” decision to axe free TV licences for most older people to be reversed. Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, said: “Since free licences for the over-75s were scrapped by the BBC in 2020, Silver Voices has been campaigning to have this cherished benefit restored to pensioners.

“This cruel decision contributed greatly to the loss of respect for the BBC as our national broadcaster and has led to a huge increase in non-compliance with the licence fee across all ages.

“Upwards of 250,000 over-75s have refused to pay the licence fee since the benefit was scrapped and the BBC has been forced to introduce an unofficial amnesty from prosecution for that group.

“The charter negotiations provide an ideal opportunity to introduce a much fairer funding system for the BBC, including a restoration of free viewing for the over-75s.

“When you have loyally forked out for the licence fee for over 50 years, surely you should be entitled to free TV in retirement, when you are more likely to spend much more time at home?

“TV has so many benefits for older people, tackling loneliness and isolation and contributing to better physical and mental well-being.

“It can be the only connection with the outside world for days on end and pensioners should not be priced out of this vital social support.”

Proposals being considered include allowing the BBC to show adverts for the first time in its history and expanding free TV licences to benefit claimants and students.

The Royal Charter sets out the BBC’s public purpose and is the constitutional basis for the corporation, with the current 10-year agreement ending in December 2027.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “We want the BBC to continue to enrich people’s lives, tell Britain’s story and showcase our values and culture at home and overseas, long into the future.

“My aims for the charter review are clear. The BBC must remain fiercely independent, accountable and be able to command public trust.

“It must reflect the whole of the UK, remain an engine for economic growth and be funded in a way that is sustainable and fair for audiences.

“As a Government, we will ensure that this charter review is the catalyst that helps the BBC adapt to a rapidly changing media landscape and secures its role at the heart of national life.”

It comes as the BBC has faced a chaotic period with the resignations of top executives and a lawsuit from US president Donald Trump over the Panorama editing row.

Outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie said: “We welcome the publication of the Government’s Green Paper and the start of the public consultation on the future of the BBC.

“We urge everyone who cares about the success of the UK’s world-leading creative industries to have their say.

“At the BBC, we want change, so we can continue to deliver for the UK for generations to come.

“We want to secure a public service BBC that is independent, sustainably funded for the long term, and meets our audience’s needs.”