The petition requires state-funded licences for everybody at state pension age (Picture: Getty)
A petition demanding the Authorities restore free TV licences for all pensioners has surged previous 14,000 signatures, triggering an official response and piling stress on ministers amid the cost-of-living disaster. Launched in January by Michael Thompson, the marketing campaign requires state-funded licences for everybody at state pension age — at the moment 66 and rising — arguing tv is not any luxurious however an important lifeline for remoted older folks.
Mr Thompson stated: “Many pensioners reside on the breadline with solely the TV for firm. With the price of meals hovering and utility payments ever increased, we really feel there’s a determined want to offer all pensioners with a minimum of this concession.” He branded the present system a “double outrage”. Pensioners who “have given their all to this nation in taxes and elevating youngsters” should nonetheless pay the £169.50 annual price until they qualify for means-tested Pension Credit score. He added: “In the meantime, some media figures draw big salaries.”
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The petition has rocketed in assist following April’s licence price rise to £169.50, highlighting widespread anger over squeezed pensioner incomes.
It handed the ten,000-signature threshold earlier this month, forcing a authorities response, and stays open till July 21. Reaching 100,000 would set off consideration for a parliamentary debate.
Free common licences for over-75s had been scrapped in 2020 when duty shifted to the BBC as a part of its constitution settlement. Solely these on Pension Credit score now qualify, leaving lots of of hundreds of older folks — many too proud or unaware to assert the profit — footing the invoice.
Campaigners say TV gives companionship, information, and leisure for hundreds of thousands dwelling alone, combating loneliness whereas power and grocery prices chew onerous. Supporters argue pensioners, after a long time of contributions, deserve this fundamental assist with out leaping via means-testing hoops.
The difficulty stays politically poisonous. The unique common concession, launched beneath Labour, was axed beneath Conservative-led adjustments, sparking fury amongst older voters.
With an ageing inhabitants and ongoing monetary pressures, restoring it might show a well-liked — although costly — transfer.
Mr Thompson’s drive faucets into deep resentment: hard-working retirees feeling forgotten whereas broadcasters pay prime expertise lavishly. As signatures climb day by day, the petition underscores a easy demand — give pensioners again a small however significant dignity in retirement.
A Authorities spokesperson confirmed a response can be issued following the ten,000-signature milestone. Whether or not it satisfies campaigners or fuels additional requires motion stays to be seen.
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