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over 75 TV Licence

(13 Posts)
12Michael Fri 05-Jul-19 06:30:21

I gather from someone I know, that letters are starting to be sent out to those 75+ who it seems will now require a TV Licence , whether the TV licensing office or the BBC are doing it unsure.
Mick

EllanVannin Fri 05-Jul-19 07:31:20

I had a letter last week, and binned it. I also have a licence-type document stating " your free licence until May 2020 ".

12Michael Fri 05-Jul-19 07:54:14

What is also worth noticing , they published the wage lists of those key presenters , yet one area that has not come to light is how much money does the BBC pay out to contestants in game shows etc surely that amount could also be reduced .
Also I think some of the presenters they have agents, Chris Evans left to a commercial broadcaster , how many others are making money through advertising etc which could alter the figures they showed .
Mick

gillybob Fri 05-Jul-19 08:10:00

I don’t think the BBC pays out much in the way of prizes Mick . They tend to go for trophies /titles rather than money prizes . My dad got his letter last week too .

Franbern Fri 05-Jul-19 08:44:47

Not sure why anyone should think that this free licence should have a universal benefit, for all older people regardless of their financial circumstances.
Of course, it should not actually be an extra, but should be incorporated (along with the Winter Fuel allowance) into a proper state pension, which should be kept in line with average earnings.
Also, it should never have been the responsibility of the BBC to pay this, it started with and should have stayed with the Government.
But, i really do have grave misgivings about universal benefits.

Riverwalk Fri 05-Jul-19 08:51:42

Based on a rough calculation the top paid BBC presenters cost about £9 million, which is a drop in the ocean compared to its overall budget.

For all its annoyances I think the BBC is good value for money.

It should have nothing to do with the BBC who pays and who doesn't pay - the free licence for the over-75s was a political gift and it should have remained so.

kittylester Fri 05-Jul-19 08:58:50

I agree with your first two paragraphs river but think that there are younger people who could do with our free tv licence.

Riverwalk Fri 05-Jul-19 09:12:50

Kitty sorry I meant the decision was a political one and should have remained so, rather than giving the BBC the responsibility, not that the free licence should remain.

blondenana Fri 05-Jul-19 09:55:49

The letters are just general letters,i got one and it said as i now receive a free licence nothing will change for me

kittylester Fri 05-Jul-19 10:03:50

Sorry, riverwalk, I hadn't had my second cup of tea.

gillybob Fri 05-Jul-19 10:07:09

I agree that there are many young families who are equally deserving . I pay for my DD’s licence as she struggles financially and I fear that she might let it slip and risk prosecution.

watermeadow Fri 05-Jul-19 17:32:39

Large numbers of very well-off old people get free licences. If you are on benefits you will still get a free licence.
I’ll be 75 next year and hoped to get mine free but I’d rather the BBC have the means to produce excellent programmes.
I haven’t got a TV but can watch a very limited number of programmes on my I player. I certainly don’t get my money’s worth and Radio 4 has deteriorated hugely as the BBC tightens it’s belt.

M0nica Sat 06-Jul-19 00:11:09

Well, I will not be getting the letter because, although we are both over 75, we never applied for the free licence. Just continued paying.