Free TV Licences for All Pensioners? Government Responds to Growing Petition – What It Means for You!”
A petition asking for free TV licenses for all retirees has gotten a response from the UK Government. The petition has over 37,200 signatures so far.
The Government’s Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) replied, saying that free TV licenses are currently only available to people aged 75 and older who receive Pension Credit, a benefit for low-income pensioners. The DCMS acknowledged the challenges with the current system but did not agree to extend free licenses to all retirees.
When a petition gets 10,000 signatures, the Government must respond. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it could be debated in Parliament.
The petition, called “Fund Free TV Licences for All Pensioners,” was started by Michael Thompson. He said: “We want the Government to pay for free TV licenses for all retirees. Many older people live on very little money and rely on their TV for company. With rising food and energy costs, we believe this small help is needed.”
He added: “It’s unfair that people who have paid taxes and raised families all their lives now have to pay for a TV license unless they qualify for Pension Credit. Meanwhile, some media personalities earn huge salaries.”
Currently, UK households must pay £169.50 per year to watch live TV or use BBC iPlayer. This fee will rise to £174.50 in April due to inflation, which has caused criticism and debate about the future of the TV license.
The DCMS also mentioned that the BBC is responsible for providing free licenses to over-75s who receive Pension Credit. They added that the Government supports public funding for the BBC but understands the financial struggles some households face. To help, they’ve extended a payment plan that lets people split the annual fee into smaller, more manageable payments.
The current TV license system will stay in place until at least 2027. After that, a new funding model will be considered. The Government is open to ideas and plans to consult the public and other stakeholders before making changes.
The petition will close on May 26, 2025, giving people just over three months to add their signatures and push for a parliamentary debate.
