![]() ![]() ![]() It later emerged some over-75s (for example, those in receipt of pension credit and other benefits) would not have to pay after all, but thousands will face the extra bill. Sure enough, this firm found that ‘there is a case for reform of the current over-75s concession’. Yet, later, in what some said was an attempt to wriggle out of the deal, the BBC commissioned a consultancy firm to review other options. (Previously, only those watching live TV were required to have a licence.) The BBC agreed to fund licences for the over-75s in 2015 - in exchange for the Government forcing people who watched the Corporation’s catch-up programmes on iPlayer to cough up for a licence. If they forget to do so, or are unaware of the rule change, they risk prosecution, fines and even prison if they don’t pay the fine. With many of the over-75s now having to pay the licence fee from June 2020, it seems many vulnerable elderly people will suddenly be forced to pay. ![]() The issue was back in the news this week, with campaigners cheering Boris Johnson’s call to decriminalise non-payment of the licence fee, arguing that it disproportionately affects women and the poorest in society. Kathleen Quinton (left) was fined £205 earlier this week for not having a TV licence. Emily Reid (right), 19, travelled more than 200 miles to Stratford Magistrates Court on Tuesday, only for the case to be suddenly withdrawn ![]()
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