The DCMS explained there is \u201cno BBC concession to provide free TV licences for all pensioners at this time\u201d before highlighting current concessions available for people who are registered blind or severely sight impaired and those living in qualifying residential care who are disabled or over 60 years old.<\/p>\n
The DCMS response continued: \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
READ MORE: New State Pension could rise to \u00a3964 next April under the Triple Lock<\/a>READ MORE: New call for all pensioners to be exempt from paying Council Tax<\/a><\/p>\n It continued: \u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, the Government is absolutely committed to supporting pensioners and giving them the dignity and security they deserve in retirement.\u201d<\/p>\n The DCMS also said that the UK Government has announced a significant extension to the Simple Payment Plan <\/a>(SPP). This scheme enables unlicensed households experiencing financial difficulty to split up the annual payment into more manageable fortnightly and monthly instalments.<\/p>\n The BBC\u2019s analysis suggests that the expansion could double the number of households using the SPP to around 500,000 by the end of 2027.<\/p>\n The petition response continued: \u201cLooking 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIt 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.<\/p>\n \u201cIn 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.\u201d<\/p>\n The DCMS added: \u201cAs 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n More than 13,000 people have signed the petition on the Petitions Parliament website<\/a>. At 100,000 signatures of support, it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament.<\/p>\n Who needs to buy a TV licence?<\/p>\n You can check if you need a TV licence on the TV Licensing website here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ways to pay for a TV licence<\/p>\n A TV licence costs \u00a3174.50. You can pay it all in one go, or:<\/p>\n Can I get a discount?<\/p>\n Certain groups are entitled to TV licence discounts such as those who live in care homes, who could get it for free or pay a reduced amount if they are part of an Accommodation for Residential Care scheme – find out more here.<\/a><\/p>\n People who are registered blind or severely sight impaired are entitled to a half price TV Licence (\u00a387.25) and may be eligible for a refund on payments made in previous years – if they have been the registered TV licence holder.<\/p>\n Free TV Licence for over-75s<\/p>\n If you already receive Pension Credit, you can apply for your free over-75 TV Licence when you are 74 years old. TV Licensing will update your payments to cover you until your 75th birthday, at which point you\u2019ll then be covered by your free licence. They will confirm this in writing.<\/p>\n If you think you\u2019re eligible for a free licence but don\u2019t currently have a TV licence, call 0300 790 6117 and speak to an advisor to request an application form. Lines are open Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 6.30pm.<\/p>\n Join the conversation on our Money Saving Scotland Facebook group<\/a> for money-saving tips, the latest State Pension and benefits news, energy bill advice and cost of living updates.<\/p>\n Sign up to our Record Money newsletter and get the top stories sent to your inbox daily from Monday to Friday with a special cost of living edition every Thursday – sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n You can also follow us on X<\/strong> (formerly Twitter) @Recordmoney_<\/a> for regular updates throughout the day or get money news alerts on your phone by joining our Daily Record Money WhatsApp community<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
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