An online petition calling for the abolition of the BBC TV licence fee for everyone over the State Pension age has garnered almost 43,000 signatures, despite a response from the UK Government at the end of January.

From April 1, households will see a rise in the TV licence fee from £169.50 to £174.50, alongside hikes in energy bills, Council Tax, broadband and mobile phone packages, and streaming entertainment services.

Michael Thompson, the creator of the petition, contends that given the escalating costs of food and utilities, there is a “desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession” of not having to pay for the TV licence.

In its written reply on the petitions-parliament website, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) neither outrightly dismissed the proposal nor directly acknowledged it.

Instead, it underscored that individuals over 75 may qualify for a free TV licence if they receive Pension Credit and are eligible for the Simple Payment Plan extension, which aids in spreading the cost of the annual fee set to increase to £174.50 from April, reports the Daily Record.

The Simple Payment Plan offers households struggling to afford the £169.50 annual fee the chance to distribute the costs over 12 months into more manageable fortnightly and monthly payments.

Most Popular Comments

“Better to scrap the licence altogether – and by that not even replace it with direct taxation. Gone are the days when the BBC made its own …” 17

“TV licence should be scrapped in its entirety.t. The BBC is not fit for purpose “ 17

“Just Scap the whole thing, if the BBC wants money, let them earn it.” 12

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According to the DCMS, the BBC‘s analysis indicates that the expansion could potentially double the number of households utilising the Simple Payment Plan to approximately 500,000 by the end of 2027.

The Government’s response was crystal clear: “The forthcoming Charter Review is a key opportunity to set the BBC up for success long into the future. It will look at a range of issues and, as a priority for this Government, will start a national conversation to make sure the BBC

“As we address these vital issues about the future of the BBC, we must also ensure that there is a sustainable funding model that is fair for those who pay for it. The Government will be taking forward this issue as part of the Charter Review process, since what the BBC does and its future role is fundamentally influenced by how it is funded.”

Moreover, the Government confirmed their stance on the broadcasting giant’s financing: “The Government is keeping an open mind about the future of the licence fee, and firmly believes that the unique obligations placed on the BBC demand continued, sustainable public funding to support its vital work.”

People can sign the petition until May 26. If it gathers 100,000 signatures, it will be considered by the Petitions Committee for a debate in Parliament.