Commenting on the news that the BBC will scrap blanket free TV licences for people aged 75 and over, George McNamara, Director of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age, said:
“This is a massive kick in the teeth for millions of older people up and down the country. It is a great shame that the BBC has ignored the overwhelming case for keeping free TV licences for all over-75s.
“By linking the free TV licence to Pension Credit, this will further isolate the poorest pensioners who are eligible for Pension Credit but not receiving it. It is reprehensible that the government has stood by and done nothing to rectify a policy that will hit the housebound, disabled and most socially-isolated in society.”