More than 300,000 over-75s in Scotland will lose free TV licence

Charity calls on Government to keep its manifesto promise to older people

Age Scotland has warned that thousands of Scotland’s poorest pensioners could be forced to give up their TVs following the BBC’s decision to means test licences for the over-75s.

From 2020, only those who are aged over 75 and receive Pension Credit will be eligible for the benefit, the BBC announced today (Monday 10th June). An estimated 328,000 Scottish pensioners will now have to pay £154.50 a year, or face a £1000 fine.

However the charity warned that around 76,000 pensioners aged 75 and over in Scotland do not receive Pension Credit even though they are eligible. Older people who just miss out on the benefit will also struggle to pay the bill, and could be pushed below the poverty line.

Age Scotland is calling on the UK Government to stick to its 2017 manifesto commitment and continue to fund the entitlement.

Brian Sloan, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, said: “This is a kick in the teeth to the thousands of older people who are already struggling to stay on top of rising living costs. If this goes ahead then we will see lonely and vulnerable people in their 80s and 90s, who depend on their TV for company, forced to give it up.

“Forty per cent of Scottish older people who are eligible for Pension Credit do not claim it, and will now face yet another annual bill that they can’t afford. We know that this is causing a huge amount of distress and anxiety among our poorest pensioners.

“More than half of over 75s say that their TV or a pet is their main form of company, helping them stay connected and improving their quality of life. This is particularly true for those who live alone or have mobility issues.

“The UK Government must not renege on its manifesto promise to older people and continue to fund this entitlement for all of our over-75s.”

Age Scotland’s research shows that thousands of pensioners already struggle to make ends meet. Almost six in ten single pensioners and four in 10 pensioner couples already struggle to pay their heating bills and 38% of older people feel financially squeezed. Another new bill to pay could put many below the poverty line or further into poverty.

-ENDS-

 
Notes to editors
 
From June 2020, any household with someone aged over 75 who receives Pension Credit will be eligible for a free TV licence funded by the BBC. There are around 442,000 people aged 75 and over in Scotland, of whom 114,000 receive Pension Credit.

Age UK launched its Switched Off: Save free TV licences for older people campaign at the end of last year to urge the Government to take back responsibility for the funding and administration of the free TV licences policy. To date the Charity’s petition calling on the Government to reverse its decision has received over 130,000 signatures.

Any older person who is worried about money and/ or losing their free TV licence can call the Age Scotland helpline on 0800 12 44 222.