BBC confirms plans for some over-75s to pay the TV licence fee will go ahead from August

The BBC has confirmed that it will go ahead with plans to charge the licence fee to over 75’s from August – after delaying them due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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The BBC has confirmed today (Thursday, July 9) that it will begin its new scheme which will mean some over-75s paying the licence fee from August.

It is estimated that over three million households will start paying the £157.50 fee from August 1 – with a means test being implemented to determine who will and won’t pay.

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The changes were originally set to take effect in June but were delayed due to the fallout caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The BBC have confirmed that over 75's will have to pay the licence fee from August 1. Photo: PA.The BBC have confirmed that over 75's will have to pay the licence fee from August 1. Photo: PA.
The BBC have confirmed that over 75's will have to pay the licence fee from August 1. Photo: PA.
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BBC chairman Sir David Clementi said: “The decision to commence the new scheme in August has not been easy, but implementation of the new scheme will be Covid-19 safe.

"The BBC could not continue delaying the scheme without impacting on programmes and services.”

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He added: “Around 1.5 million households could get free TV licences if someone is over 75 and receives Pension Credit, and 450,000 of them have already applied.

“Like most organisations the BBC is under severe financial pressure due to the pandemic, yet we have continued to put the public first in all our decisions.

“I believe continuing to fund some free TV licences is the fairest decision for the public, as we will be supporting the poorest oldest pensioners without impacting the programmes and services.”

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