AGED 75 PLUS GET FREE TV LICENCE

CULTURE Secretary Chris Smith has unveiled the new free television licence to a group of Bradford pensioners, aged 75 and over, at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television.
The Bradford pensioners are amongst more than three million UK pensioners who will benefit from the new free TV licence for the over 75s.
Culture Secretary, Chris Smith, said: “The new free licence means people over 75 can be sure they continue to enjoy the benefits of TV without worrying about the cost of a licence. Retaining the need for a licence for over 75s, but transferring the burden of cost to the Government maintains the principle that the BBC is independently funded to provide a comprehensive service for all.”
The licence, which came into effect on Wednesday, November 1, is in a bold black and yellow livery to differentiate it from the standard licence.
The new concessionary licence means a saving for millions of people who are aged 75 or over, of £104 on the current colour licence and from next April the licence jumps to £109.
The cost of the free licence will be met by the Government and not passed on to other viewers through increases in the standard licence.