There have been new calls for free TV licences for all UK state pensioners, with a new petition already having been signed by thousands of people.
The petition, Fund Free TV licences for all pensioners, was started by Michael Thompson, who says: "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."
He adds: "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."
Once a petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the Government responds, and if 100,000 people sign, a debate in Parliament is considered.
This petition currently has 10,544 signatures, and an update on the Parliament petitions website says the signatories have now been waiting for two days for a government response.
Signatures can still be added here.
Who gets a free TV licence at the moment?
A standard TV licence costs £174.50 per year. However, you might be eligible for a discount or even a free TV licence.
If you’re 75 or over and you get Pension Credit, you can currently get a free TV licence.
If you’re blind or in residential care, you can get a discounted TV licence, but the rules vary.
If you’re 75 or over
You can get a free TV licence if you’re 75 or older and you either:
- get Pension Credit
- live with your partner who gets Pension Credit
The licence covers everyone living at your address.
Do I need a TV licence?
You need a TV licence to watch or record live programmes on any TV channel, including BBC channels.
You also need a licence to watch BBC programmes using BBC iPlayer – whether you're watching live or watching a downloaded programme on your TV, computer, tablet or smartphone.
When can you apply for a free TV licence?
You can apply when you’re 74 if you already get Pension Credit. You’ll still need to pay for your licence until the end of the month before your 75th birthday. After that you’ll be covered by your free licence.
How to apply for a free TV licence
You can apply for a free licence online.
You can also apply by phone.
Telephone: 0300 790 6071
Minicom: 0300 709 6050
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How to get a £7.50 TV licence
If you’re in residential care or sheltered accommodation you can get a TV Licence for £7.50 if you live in an eligible residential care home, supported housing or sheltered accommodation.
You must be either:
- retired and over 60
- disabled
Your housing manager can check if you can get it and will apply for you. There's more information on the GOV.UK website on how to do this.
If you’re registered blind, you can get a 50% discount if you’re registered blind or live with someone who is.
The licence must be in the blind person’s name - if it’s not, you can make a new application to transfer it into their name. You’ll need to provide your existing TV licence number when you apply.
Apply for a licence if you’re registered blind on the TV Licensing website.
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