Pensioners’ petition for free TV licences for over-66s hits major milestone | Personal Finance | Finance

A petition calling for free TV licences for all Britons of state pension age and above has surpassed 50,000 signatures. The campaign, launched by Michael Thompson, argues that older people should be entitled to a government-funded TV licence.

His statement reads: “We want the Government to fund free TV licences for existing pensioners and those who reach the official retirement age. When people reach retirement age, we think they should receive a state-financed free TV licence.” Mr Thompson added: “Many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company. With the cost of food soaring and utility bills ever higher, we feel there is a desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession. We feel it is a double outrage that those who have given their all to this country in taxes and raising children have to pay a TV licence fee and are only exempt if they receive means-tested Pension Credit. Meanwhile, some media figures draw huge salaries.”

Under current rules, a petition triggers a Government response when it reaches 10,000 signatures. At 100,000, it becomes eligible for a debate in Parliament.

This petition received a formal Government response in January after reaching the initial 10,000-signature threshold. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) acknowledged the need for a “fair and sustainable” funding model but reaffirmed that free licences remain available only to those aged 75 and over who receive Pension Credit.

The petition remains open until Monday, May 26, giving supporters just over two weeks to help push it toward the next milestone for parliamentary debate.

Currently, all UK households that watch or stream live TV or use BBC iPlayer must pay an annual fee of £174.50 or face a fine. This amount increased in April in line with inflation, prompting renewed criticism and debate over the future of the licence fee.

In its earlier response, the DCMS added: “The BBC took on responsibility for over-75s concessionary licences as part of the 2015 licence fee settlement. The BBC now administers the concession and offers free TV licences for over-75s who are in receipt of Pension Credit.

“While the Government strongly believes in public funding for the BBC given the public good it serves, we are aware of the financial difficulties faced by some households, and are committed to supporting them to spread the cost of the TV licence.”

To support low-income households, the Government has extended the Simple Payment Plan (SPP), which allows those in financial difficulty to pay in fortnightly or monthly instalments. According to the DCMS, “The BBC’s analysis suggests that the expansion could double the number of households using the SPP to around 500,000 by the end of 2027.”

The licence fee will remain in place until at least 2027, when a new BBC charter is expected to come into effect.