UK pensioners may gain exemption from BBC licence fee

An online petition is calling to scrap the BBC TV licence fee for people over the State Pension age. It has gained nearly 43,000 signatures. The petition comes as the TV licence fee will increase from £169.50 to £174.50 starting April 1. This change is happening alongside rising costs for energy, Council Tax, and streaming services. Michael Thompson, who created the petition, argues that many pensioners face rising costs for food and utilities. He believes it is necessary to provide them some relief by eliminating the TV licence fee. The UK Government responded to the petition in January but did not fully reject or endorse it. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport mentioned that people over 75 can get a free TV licence if they receive Pension Credit. They also highlighted the Simple Payment Plan, which allows people to pay the fee in smaller amounts throughout the year. The government estimates that this option could help around 500,000 households by 2027. The UK Government is open to discussing the future of the TV licence fee as part of the upcoming Charter Review. They emphasize the importance of a fair funding model for the BBC. The petition will remain open for signatures until May 26. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be reviewed by the Petitions Committee for a potential parliamentary debate.