• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

SEENIT

TV, Film, Broadband, Pay-TV, Games, Computing and Tech | News, Comment & Reviews

  • NEWS
  • FEATURES
  • ADVERTISE
  • Twitter

BBC launches public consultation on future of free TV licence for over 75s

Nov 20, 2018 - Staff@seenituk

Members of the public are being asked to share their views on whether people aged 75 and above should continue to receive a free TV licence once Government funding the concession comes to an end.

Under the BBC’s latest funding agreement with the Government, the broadcaster becomes responsible for deciding whether to offer the concession after June 2020.

It’s expected that continuing the current scheme would cost £745m by 2021/22, a sum the BBC says would force it to “fundamentally change” how it delivers services, including cutting back spending on content.

However, ending the concession would mean over 75s having to pay for their licence, potentially causing difficulty for those on lower incomes.

Instead of the two more extreme options, the BBC could introduce a discount for those over 75, reducing the amount of income it loses while ensuring current recipients aren’t suddenly required to pay the full cost of a licence, or introduce a means-tested scheme under which those in greater financial need wouldn’t pay, while those who could afford it would.

BBC bosses acknowledge that whatever option is adopted “would have its merits and its drawbacks.”

Tony Hall, BBC Director-General, says: “This is an important decision. We have set out a range of options – each has merits and consequences, with implications for the future of the BBC, and for everyone, including older people.

“We need to hear views to help the BBC make the best and fairest decision.”

David Clementi, BBC Chairman, says: “The Board wants to make an informed decision about the future. We want to hear from the public.

“We will listen to their views and balance all the options and arguments before making a decision. The Board does not underestimate the significance of the decision, its implications for the BBC and its audiences.”

The consultation will run for three months with a decision likely by next summer.

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Related

RECENT NEWS

Hayden Christensen and Emma Roberts’ romcom Little Italy is getting a UK VoD release

BBC Studios to remake Life on Mars for China

Hans Zimmer to compose theme for BBC’s One Planet, Seven Worlds

Evil Dead 2 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release its new trailer

FEATURES

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Ultra HD with all-new Alexa Voice Remote

How feasible are Hollywood’s biggest stunts?

Final Score – Not All Action Heroes Wear Capes

Review: Netgem’s NetBox 4K Freeview Play set top box

FEATURED

Freesat announces plans for Third Generation UHD set top box

Switching from a monthly to pre-paid data plan could deliver big savings for iPad and tablet users

Ministers publish changes to film, TV and game tax credits rules to ensure UK productions still qualify after Brexit

Amazon Prime Video is now available on BT TV

MORE FROM US

Latest from: streamedTV

Adult Swim is coming to Channel 4 streaming service All 4

Trailer: Esmé Creed-Miles and Joel Kinnaman in Amazon’s Hanna

Cruel Intentions Director Roger Kumble to helm new Netflix movie

Deutschland 83’s Anna Winger to make new Netflix series

Hiking programme Walks Around Britain launches new SVOD service

ADVERTISE ON SEENIT

We’re pleased to offer a number of advertising opportunities to high quality brands including content, competition and advertising placements.

Please contact us for details.

MORE FROM US

Sports On Telly

Sky Sports Box Office to show Anthony Joshua v Jarrell Miller

Eurosport Romania extends Premier League rights deal

Eleven Sports Taiwan secures rights to Unilions’ CPBL fixtures

BBC extends North West 200 broadcast rights deal

BBC confirms 2019 Guinness Six Nations Championship presenter line-up

Copyright © 2019 MayorWatch Publications Limited · All Rights Reserved · Contact Us · Copyright · Terms of Use · Privacy Policy

MayorWatch Publications Limited · 20-22 Wenlock Road · London N1 7GU · Company Number 6291816