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.

By Ryan Smith

Published 11th Jul 2020, 07:00 BST

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The BBC announced this week 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.

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

Gazette readers have their say on whether over 75's should pay the TV licence fee. Photo: Getty Images.

Gazette readers have their say on whether over 75's should pay the TV licence fee. Photo: Getty Images.

BBC confirms plans for some over-75s to pay the TV licence fee will go ahead fr...

The plans were originally set to go ahead in June, but were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

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

Simon Weaver: “The licence should be scrapped. They should find their funds elsewhere like all the other channels.”

Ste Dixon: “Those that can afford it should pay. Everything should be means tested and then they're not just dishing out left, right and centre which is unnecessary.”

Kate Harris: "No it shouldn't be free for all over 75s, it should be free for all.”

Neil M Robinson: “The British Broadcasting Corporation is an international company and therefore relevant to both local, national and international news. Pensioners getting a subsidy if they have plenty in the bank is just wrong.”

Lisa Kincaid: “It should be free for everyone or have the option not to have the BBC.”

Marina Groombridge-Knight: “Means tested is good. There are those that can afford it no problem.”

Jill Foy: “100% should be free for our old people.”

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