THE BBC should do more for those affected by the decision to scrap free TV licences, the Culture Secretary has said.
Nicky Morgan told the Commons she was “very disappointed” with the decision and said she has held talks with senior figures at the corporation.
In June the BBC announced that up to 3.7 million pensioners in the UK would no longer receive a free licence. Under the new rules, only low-income households where one person receives the pension credit benefit will still be eligible for a free licence.
Morgan said: “The Government is very disappointed with the BBC’s decision on the future of the TV licence concession. We know that older people in particular value television as a source of companionship, entertainment and a way to stay connected with the world.
“I’ve met with the chairman of the BBC board and the director general of the BBC and I’ve asked them to do more for those affected by the decision.”
Labour MP Rachael Maskell called for the promise of free TV licences for all to be honoured, with the Conservative Party having pledged to maintain free licences in their 2017 manifesto.
Maskell said: “Promises matter, but when you’re elderly, when you’re lonely, when you’re housebound, you’re not interested in squabbling in this place, you’re not interested in excuses, you want that promise honoured and your free TV licence.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here