Bectu says government has put BBC in ‘impossible position’ re over-75s licence fee

Bectu has criticised the government for forcing the BBC to charge over-75s for the licence fee or lose essential revenue.

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs, responding to news today (9 July) that the BBC is to start means testing the over-75s licence fee from 1 August, said:

“This BBC has been put in an impossible position by the government on free licences, and is already cutting talented staff and much-loved programmes.

“It should never have had to choose between charging over-75s and losing essential revenue.

“The BBC’s role is to inform, educate and entertain the nation, not make welfare or benefit decisions. That is the role of government and it is the government who should be administering and funding this benefit.”