UPDATE: |New BBC TV licence fee update over calls to scrap it for over-75s News

A new petition calling on the UK Government to scrap the BBC TV licence fee for every person over State Pension age has received nearly 50,000 signatures to date

Close to 50,000 individuals have supported an online petition demanding the termination of the BBC TV licence fee for all over the State Pension age, despite the idea being dismissed by the UK Government earlier this year.

The petition is nearing the halfway mark of the pivotal 100,000 signatures needed for consideration of debate in Parliament by the Petitions Committee – it must reach this target by 26 May 2025 to do so.

Michael Thompson, who initiated the petition, contends that with skyrocketing food and utility bills there’s a “desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession” of exemption from the TV licence expense, which saw an increase from £169.50 to £174.50 on 1 April.

While the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) issued a formal reply on the petitions-parliament website, they avoided directly addressing the issue.

Rather, the response emphasised that seniors aged 75 and above might qualify for a complimentary TV licence if they receive Pension Credit, alongside mentioning the Simple Payment Plan expansion, aimed at easing the financial burden of the annual fee, now hiked to £174.50 starting April, reports the Daily Record.

This Simple Payment Plan offers those finding it challenging to pay the current £169.50 yearly charge the option to break down payments into smaller fortnightly or monthly amounts across 12 months.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) highlighted that BBC’s data indicates a potential doubling of households on the Simple Payment Plan, reaching 500,000 by the end of 2027.

Their statement also emphasised: “The forthcoming Charter Review is a key opportunity to set the BBC up for success long into the future. It will look at a range of issues and, as a priority for this Government, will start a national conversation to make sure the BBC truly represents and delivers for every person in this country.”

Further adding: “As we address these vital issues about the future of the BBC, we must also ensure that there is a sustainable funding model that is fair for those who pay for it. The Government will be taking forward this issue as part of the Charter Review process, since what the BBC does and its future role is fundamentally influenced by how it is funded.”

The DCMS states: “The Government is keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee, and firmly believes that the unique obligations placed on the BBC demand continued, sustainable public funding to support its vital work.”

For the full response from the DCMS, visit the petitions-parliament website.

Who needs 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

Ways to pay for a TV licence

A TV licence costs £174.50 presently and can be paid all at once or through different payment methods.

• Pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly with a TV Licensing payment card – once the card is set up you can pay online, through the TV Licensing app, by phone, text message or at any PayPoint
• Pay by monthly, quarterly or yearly Direct Debit
• Pay less for your licence if you’re over 75 on Pension Credit (exempt), registered blind (50% discount), or live in a care home

Can I get a discount?

Certain groups are eligible for TV licence discounts, including those residing in care homes who could potentially receive it for free or at a reduced rate if they’re part of an Accommodation for Residential Care scheme.

Individuals who are registered blind can avail of a half-price TV Licence (£84.75) and may also qualify for a refund on payments made in previous years, provided they have been the registered TV licence holder.

Free TV Licence for over-75s

Over-75s who already receive Pension Credit can apply for their free TV Licence when they turn 74. TV Licensing will adjust your payments to cover you until your 75th birthday, after which your free licence will take effect.

This will be confirmed in writing.

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