Thousands of over-75s could struggle to pay utility bills because of planned changes to TV licences
The comments have come from Age UK
Hundreds of thousands of over-75s could struggle to pay utility bills because of planned changes to the TV licence fee system, according to Age UK.
From June, only low-income over-75 viewers who receive pension credits will be entitled to a free TV licence in a move that will be a "shock to the budgets of many older people", a statement from the charity said.
Those that will be hit the hardest are older viewers "struggling on a low fixed income as well as many who are battling loneliness, ill health and disabilities", according to the charity.
Caroline Abrahams, Age UK's charity director, said: "All the evidence is that if the BBC's plan goes ahead, hundreds of thousands of over-75s will struggle to pay for their TV licence."
She added that the extra expense would be a "bridge too far" for many and some "whose incomes are only just above the line are set to face horrible decisions over whether they can afford to continue to watch TV at all".
Published: by Radio NewsHub