Portsmouth pensioners fight against BBC TV licence changes

As of August 1, the free TV licence will be means-tested, following an announcement by BBC chairman Sir David Clementi on Thursday.

People who receive pension credit can still get their TV licence for free.

But in Portsmouth, the decision has been fiercely opposed – and there are calls for the government to step in and help out.

Steve Bonner, vice-chairman of the Pompey Pensioners Association, said he was ‘dismayed’ by the news.

He said: ‘We have 250 members and everyone is against this.

‘Especially at a time where people are so isolated, the television is their only source of companionship. One lady told me she has it on all day just for the sake of hearing someone else’s voice.

‘So many of our pensioners aren’t in a position to pay this – it’s a real hardship and I strongly believe the government should take responsibility for paying this.’

The BBC itself is under severe financial pressure, with job cuts planned across the corporation.

It agreed to take on responsibility for funding the scheme as part of the charter agreement hammered out with the government in 2015.

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.

‘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 that all audiences love.’

Labour MP for Portsmouth South, Stephen Morgan, has opposed the decision.

He said: ‘The government has not only snatched away this vital lifeline for some older people, it has then cowered away from ownership of the decision and tried to shift blame onto the BBC.

‘I know from speaking to hundreds of local residents that for some that will mean choosing between loneliness and hunger.

‘Today’s announcement is hugely disappointing for thousands of Portsmouth’s pensioners who have contributed so much to society.’