Stone backs extension of free TV licences for over-75s
North MP Jamie Stone has signed a cross-party letter coordinated by Lord Foulkes of Cumnock asking for free TV licences for over-75s to be extended indefinitely.
After signing the letter, Mr Stone, the Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross, said: “The Government has realised during this time of crisis that TV licences for over-75s are vital for keeping the elderly connected.
"This concern for their wellbeing and their need for information should extend far past the coronavirus pandemic."
Full text of the letter:
Dear Secretary of State,
We are writing to express our concerns over the future of free TV licences for over 75s. Whilst we welcome the Government’s decision to delay the withdrawal of free TV licences on 16 March 2020 in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, we believe that this does not go far enough to solve the issue in the long-term. Rather, an indefinite suspension of the withdrawal is necessary at this critical juncture.
TV will always be an important lifeline for many older people, providing information and companionship during their later years when many live alone. This is particularly true during the current situation involving Covid-19 which will see many elderly more vulnerable people confined to their homes. Critically, it is these people who will rely heavily on TV as a source of information and entertainment, whilst for some it will become their only connection with the outside world.
Now is the time for the Government to work together with the BBC to help the nation through the current crisis. For the BBC that will be in its role as the national broadcaster providing information to the public in the weeks and months ahead. For the Government, this is the time to take back responsibility and seek an agreement with the BBC to indefinitely suspend the withdrawal of free TV licences for people over the age of 75, providing the elderly with the security that they deserve. This challenging situation demonstrates that it must be the responsibility of the Government, rather than the BBC, to fund TV licences for the over-75s.
For many elderly people, this current period of self-isolation will be a very lonely one as they adjust to not seeing family and friends, with many feeling cut off from the rest of society. We therefore urge your Government to consider this and work with the BBC to secure an agreement to suspend the withdrawal of free TV licences for people aged over 75 and support the elderly by bearing the cost of this suspension.
We look forward to hearing your urgent response.
Lord Foulkes of Cumnock and
Alex Sobel MP
Andrew Gwynne MP
Kevin Brennan MP
Baroness Ramsay of Cartvale
Baroness Jolly
Charlotte Nichols MP
Chris Stephens MP
Dame Diana Johnson MP
Gerald Jones MP
Hilary Benn MP
Ian Murray MP
Jamie Stone MP
Lord Browne of Ladyton
Nick Smith MP
Nick Thomas-Symonds MP
Patrick McFadden MP
Rosie Duffield MP
Ruth Jones MP
Stephen Morgan MP
Stephanie Peacock MP
Tracy Brabin MP
