Martin Lewis discusses BBC's TV licence price increase
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The corporation issued an update on February 16, six months after a policy of universal free TV licences for over-75s was scrapped. Now only those on pension credit are eligible for a free licence with all other over-75s facing criminal prosecution if they fail to pay the fee.
On Tuesday the broadcaster said it would not be taking action against those who have failed to pay, saying BBC bosses “fully recognise this is a tough time for many people”.
“We are giving people plenty of time to get set up and there are payment plans available to help spread the cost,” the corporation said.
“No enforcement action has been taken against anyone who has previously held a free over-75s TV licence.”
Campaign group Defund the BBC, which advocates for the decriminalisation of the licence fee, said it was pleased by the news but that the announcement did not go far enough.
“I think they have been forced into his position,” Campaigns Director Rebecca Ryan told Express.co.uk.
“I think they’re very worried about how it looks to the country that they are harassing the elderly and vulnerable during a particularly stressful time for everybody.”
The BBC made the decision to scrap free TV licences for all over-75s bar those on pension credit in 2019, with the requirement of the payment coming into effect in August 2020.
One in seven older customers are still yet to purchase a licence since the change to the system last year.
A TV Licensing spokesman said while enforcement action would not take place during the pandemic, any payments due would be backdated at a later date.
They said: “There is no amnesty, nor have we announced any new policy, we are simply giving people time to safely set up their licences and the cost will be backdated.
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“Paying by direct debit allows people to make manageable payments and to suggest these are stopped or missed is irresponsible as it would lead to the cost of regular payments increasing for those individuals.
“There is no advantage for people who have not yet paid compared to those who have.”
Ms Ryan said Tuesday’s announcement had been unclear with pensioners left unsure about whether they were still required to get a licence.
She said there was now confusion as to whether over-75s needed to purchase a licence fee or not.
“They’re sending out mixed messages because they’re saying it’s not an amnesty but that they’re giving a little bit more time,” she said.
“So, while it is welcome to see they are not going to be harassing over-75s, or giving them a little bit more time, I do wonder how clear that is going to be made to people.”
Earlier this month it was announced the cost of the TV licence was to increase from April 1.
Currently the BBC charges £157.50 a year but in five weeks the payment will rise by £1.50 to £159.
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