Free BBC TV Licence for over 66s update as | U.Ok.Finance News
A pivotal second has been reached within the marketing campaign for free TV licences for these over 66, as a petition on the parliament web site surpasses 50,000 signatures, midway to triggering a debate within the House of Commons.This development means the federal government can be compelled to justify its stance, intensifying the stress from supporters of the initiative. The petition, which will be discovered right here, now boasts 50,644 signatures and states: “We want the Government to fund free TV licences for existing pensioners and those who reach the official retirement age.”When people attain retirement age, we expect they need to obtain a state-financed free TV licence. Many pensioners reside on the breadline with solely the TV for company. With the fee of food hovering and utility payments ever greater, we really feel there may be a determined need to supply all pensioners with no less than this concession.”The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has already been prompted to respond due to the petition’s impact, clarifying the government’s position after the Petitions Committee found the initial response lacking, leading to an updated statement from officials.Following pressure from a powerful group of MPs, the government was compelled to revise its stance in a recent update. At present, free TV licences are granted to pensioners aged 75 or over who, or whose partner, receive Pension Credit, with the BBC shouldering the cost for these households.However, there is a debate that the £174.50 annual licence fee should be waived for those over 66. Signs of change are on the horizon – Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy dismissed the idea of replacing the licence fee with general taxation last month and stated in November last year that the Government would explore alternative funding methods for the BBC during a review of its Royal charter.The Wigan MP expressed her concerns about the current system: “We recognise there are issues with the licence charge. Fewer and fewer people are paying it.”She added, “It’s unenforceable and notably I’ve been very involved about the best way it has been enforced up to now, with girls – notably susceptible girls – focused for enforcement motion, and the BBC itself has accepted that.”She concluded by saying, “So we all know that there are issues with the licence charge system as it presently exists. We’re about to kick off the constitution review and as half of that we’re reviewing the licence charge.”The DCMS stated: “The Government is dedicated to the present licence charge for the rest of this Charter and, as such, won’t be altering the accessible concessions at this stage. The BBC stays accountable for the over-75s concession, together with the choice to supply free TV licences for over-75s in receipt of pension credit. Given the present BBC concession, we have now no plans to introduce a new Government concession for all pensioners at this time.”Looking towards the future, they added: “Looking additional forward, the Secretary of State has been clear that the BBC should be funded by a model that’s sustainable and honest to all these which can be paying it. The forthcoming Charter Review is a key alternative to set the BBC up for success long into the longer term. It will contemplate a vary of choices for funding the BBC, together with how they will assist the BBC in a means that’s sustainable and honest. We are pondering creatively about choices for the longer term, to make sure we future-proof our national broadcaster for a few years to come back.”Lisa Nandy has beforehand indicated her openness to changing the flat licence charge with a sliding cost scale following a proposal by the BBC’s new chairman Samir Shah. For the entire up to date response and to view the petition, click on right here.
Stay up to date with the latest news within the European markets! Our web site is your go-to source for cutting-edge financial news, market trends, financial insights, and updates on regional trade. We present day by day updates to make sure you have entry to the freshest data on stock market actions, commodity costs, currency fluctuations, and main financial bulletins throughout Europe.
Explore how these trends are shaping the longer term of the European financial system! Visit us recurrently for probably the most partaking and informative market content material by clicking right here. Our fastidiously curated articles will keep you knowledgeable on market shifts, investment methods, regulatory developments, and pivotal moments within the European financial panorama.
