A fresh online petition is calling on the UK Government to abolish the TV licence fee for all individuals of State Pension age, in an effort to alleviate the ongoing cost of living crisis. Currently, only those over 75 who receive Pension Credit are exempt from the TV licence fee, saving £169.50 annually.
However now, the TV licence fee is set to increase even more by £5 to £174.50 from April 2025. This follows the UK Government’s recent announcement that the BBC TV licence fee will rise with inflation annually up to 2027.
Michael Thompson, the creator of the petition, argues that “many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company” adding that “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.”
Thompson also criticised the “huge salaries” paid to some high-profile BBC figures. He said: “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.”
The ‘Fund free TV licences for all pensioners’ petition has been posted on the UK Government’s petitions-parliament website, reports the Daily Record. If it garners 10,000 signatures, it will receive a written response. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, the Petitions Committee will consider it for debate in Parliament.
You can view the petition online here. A separate petition is also advocating for the abolition of the TV licence fee for all households. Over 7,000 signatures have already been gathered on the ‘‘abolish the TV licence’ petition initiated by Alastair Horton and featured on the petitions-parliament website. The petition argues: “We think the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is losing its popularity and we shouldn’t be forced to fund it.”
Who needs to buy a TV licence?
- A TV licence is needed in the UK to watch or record any programmes as they are being broadcast live on television
- It is also required to watch or stream live programming on any online TV streaming service, such as BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, Amazon Prime and YouTube
You can check if you need a TV licence on the TV Licensing website here.
Ways to pay for a TV licence
A TV licence currently costs £169.50. You can pay it all in one go, or:
- Pay by monthly Direct Debit – from £14 per month
- Pay less for your licence if you’re over 75 on Pension Credit, registered blind, or live in a care home
- Pay by quarterly Direct Debit – it works out at around £44 per payment
- Pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly with a TV Licensing payment card (from £6.50 per week) – once the card is set up you can pay online, through the TV Licensing app, by phone, text message or at any PayPoint
Can I get a discount?
Certain groups are entitled to TV licence discounts such as those who live in care homes, who could get it for free or pay a reduced amount if they are part of an Accommodation for Residential Care scheme – find out more here.
People who are registered blind are entitled to a half price TV Licence (£84.75) and may be eligible for a refund on payments made in previous years – if they have been the registered TV licence holder.
Free TV Licence for over-75s
For the over-75s, free TV Licences are obtainable for those in receipt of Pension Credit, which TV Licensing can arrange from age 74, ensuring coverage until the 75th birthday, with written confirmation provided.
If you believe you qualify for a free licence but don’t currently possess a TV licence, ring 0300 790 6117 and chat with an advisor to ask for an application form. The lines are open from Monday to Friday, between 8.30am and 6.30pm.