Majority of Gazette readers think TV licences should stay free for all over-75s

More than 85% of Gazette readers who took part in an online poll say the TV licence should remain free for over-75s.
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The BBC announced that it will be going ahead with plans to change the licence fee for over-75s to ‘means tested’.

An estimated three million households are now set to start paying for their TV licences from next month.

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Those who are over 75 and receive Pension Credit could still get the licence free of charge.

Gazette readers have their say on whether the TV licence fee should remain free for over 75's. Photo: Getty Images.Gazette readers have their say on whether the TV licence fee should remain free for over 75's. Photo: Getty Images.
Gazette readers have their say on whether the TV licence fee should remain free for over 75's. Photo: Getty Images.
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The plans were originally set to go ahead in June, but were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Eighty-seven per cent of those who voted on our Facebook page were in favour of continuing to waive the licence fee for over-75s.

John Grenfell: “As an OAP I am happy to pay for the licence. A mere £3 a week gives me plenty of excellent programmes on TV and radio. Some nights are not so good but they may be very popular with others.”

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David Bland: “TV licence should be free for all and scrapped.”

Graeme Appleby: “It's long past time the BBC was defunded, it’s time they stood up on their own. Make the BBC pay per view or use advertising.”

Nigel Savage: “It should be free for everyone.”

Anne Turnbull: “It should be free for all. The BBC should be like other channels.”

Jimmy JJ Clutterbrook: “The BBC should allow advertisers then no one has to pay the licence. It’s disgusting they’re stopping the free one for over 75s.”

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Kelly Ashburn: “For some elderly people the TV is sadly all the company they have.”

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