Careline365 would like to voice our concerns regarding this week’s news on plans to change the current TV licence scheme for the over 75s.
There have been reports that the BBC is planning to try and persuade over 75’s to give-up their free TV licence, either in voluntary terms or by changing the law completely in 2020.
This comes following the broadcaster’s decision to take on the costs of providing free TV licences from 2017 on-wards from the Government – with the clause that they can change the rules 2020.
The BBC have now admitted that they are planning to ask volunteers over the age of 75 to pay the regular licence fee (£145.50) – with rumours of a huge advertising campaign already beginning to spread.
Proposed Campaign
To try and make it sound more appealing to those pensioners who currently don’t pay a TV licence fee it has been said by various news outlets that they are planning to do an advertising campaign with ‘silver celebrities’ such as Sir Terry Wogan and Dame Helen Mirran – although this is yet to be confirmed.
The broadcasters are also rumoured to be seeking advice from independent experts to try and discover the best way to go about attracting voluntary contributions from the over 75s.
It is believed that the free over 75 TV licence will cost the BBC around £700m.
Problems with the TV Licence plans
One of the main reasons why the free TV licence was introduced is because pensioners in the UK are living on low-fixed incomes – due to the low state pension we have here in the UK.
Most people over the age of 75 would not be able to purchase a TV licence if it wasn’t free. Many struggle to pay all of the other bills as it is – gas, electric and water – and would have to give up some luxury items if they wanted to watch TV.
Being able to watch TV for free allows the over 75s to put more money towards their bills and food, as well as activities such as day trips with their friends.
If it isn’t free then it is more than likely that most people would have to stop watching TV for good. This then creates another issue. Loneliness is rising here in the UK, with an estimated 2million people over the age of 75 living alone.
For these people who do live alone, TV could be a way of keeping themselves happy – with a feeling that they are not alone as they watch their favourite shows.
The days will no doubt go faster if lonely residents over the age of 75 are watching soaps on the television, or watching interesting documentaries and movies. Sports fans can watch their team either live or through highlights – a great way of not missing out if they are no longer able to go to the event themselves due to health reasons.
TV is a great tool to ensure that even if somebody is living alone, it doesn’t mean that they have to go the entire day with ‘seeing’ and ‘hearing’ other people. TV can spark emotion, such as laughter and passion – it helps to keep them entertained.
A final concern here at Careline365 , is that the most vulnerable pensioners could be taken in by the ‘silver celebrity’ campaign too easily and give up their right to a free licence.
Careline Comment
Holly, Careline365’s manager said:
“A lot of our customers are often quite vulnerable so if all goes ahead, the over 75’s may be pressured into paying for something which isn’t obligatory – which they may not realise. We understand that the elder generation are on a tight budget – hence why our alarms are as affordable as possible – and so this change may reduce their disposable income and essentially their quality of life.”
For more information on our life-saving personal alarms please visit the Careline365 website or call us on 0808 304 4869 to speak with a member of our friendly sales team.
Having a personal alarm in your home means that help is always on-hand should you suffer from a fall or have any other medical worries in your home.
*Comments in this article are Careline365’s opinion and should not be misinterpreted in any way. Careline365 is a national private company and we are not connected to any councils or social services.
