On Saturday, I was in Bilston campaigning to save free TV
The Labour Government introduced free TV licences for the over-75s some years ago. We did it because we understood that as people get older and their income declines, the cost of a TV licence can be a big burden.
Now the Tories have placed the axe over this important benefit by shunting responsibility for it to the BBC. It is a benefit and should be paid for by Government in the same way as other benefits.
If the age limit is raised to 80 or entitlement is restricted to pensioners on pension credit that would mean over 1000s of households in this constituency alone losing out. £150 a year is a lot of money for pensioners and they shouldn’t have to pay for the Tories’ broken promise.
The Tories said in their manifesto that this benefit would be protected for the whole Parliament but now the BBC is consulting on drastically reducing entitlement. The Government should stick by their promise and fund this benefit for the full parliament.
You have until 12th February to have your say here: https://www.bbc.com/yoursay