THE SNP has called on the UK Government to commit to funding the free TV licence for over-75s.
It comes after the BBC director-general could not confirm if the entitlement for pensioners would continue in two years.
As part of charter renewal negotiations, the BBC took responsibility for maintaining the over-75s free licence entitlement from the year 2020.
However, addressing MPs at the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee last week, BBC director-general Tony Hall said the free licence for over-75s would be reviewed by 2020. The rules mean 4.5 million over-75s currently get a free TV licence.
SNP Culture and Media spokesperson, Hannah Bardell, said: “The UK Government must guarantee the free TV licence for over-75s won’t be scrapped – and provide additional funding if required.
“At a time of rising pensioner poverty as a result of Tory austerity cuts, it would be wrong to take away the free TV licence scheme.
“The UK Government offers the lowest state pension in the developed world – and older people need more financial support, not less, particularly when living costs are rising.”
BBC director general Lord Hall told MPs other options being considered included means-testing for free licences or removing free licences from those iving with someone under 75.
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