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Free TV licence for pensioners update as UK government considers 'new concessions'

A government minister has said 'new concessions' on TV licences are possible

[Minister of State Ian Murray said the government was looking at potential new TV licence concessions]

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Minister of State Ian Murray said the government was looking at potential new TV licence concessions(Image: Parliament TV)

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has provided an MP with an update regarding demands for a substantial expansion of TV licences to pensioners, acknowledging that 'new concessions' are a possibility. The government is currently examining potential amendments to the BBC's charter following a Green Paper on funding, and as part of this process, a minister indicated that fresh concessions for individuals are under consideration.

The standard annual BBC TV licence fee stands at 180 for a colour licence and 60.50 for a black and white licence, in effect from 1 April 2026. Under UK law, any household or property must pay the standard TV licence fee (presently 180 annually for a colour licence) if they watch or record live television on any channel or service, stream TV live on online platforms, or download and use BBC iPlayer.

There has been a series of appeals for pensioners to receive the TV licence free of charge, including a petition on the Parliament website which garnered more than 66,000 signatures. In a recent development, Conservative MP Matt Vickers questioned the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy: "What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of extending free TV licences to pensioners at risk of (a) poverty and (b) social isolation."

Minister of State Ian Murray indicated the government was examining potential changes, which might encompass 'possible new concessions': "The BBC Charter Review Green Paper sought views on ways to make the BBC's funding fairer, including possible new concessions. As set out in the Green Paper, we do not plan to remove any existing concessions. This includes the concession for over-75s on pension credit, which targets those most in need of support. In 2024, the government also extended the Simple Payment Plan to support those facing financial hardship to spread the cost of their TV licence.

[A campaign to get free TV licences for all pensioners is putting pressure on Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy]

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(Image: Getty Images)

"The Government is considering responses to the Charter Review public consultation, which closed on 10 March 2026. These will inform policy decisions for the next BBC Royal Charter which will be set out in a White Paper, expected to be published later this year.", reports Chronicle Live.

The petition, which concluded last month, stated: "We want the Government to fund free TV licences for existing pensioners and those who reach the official retirement age. When people reach retirement age, we think they should receive a state-financed free TV licence.

"Many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company. With the cost of food soaring and utility bills ever higher, we feel there is a desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession.

"We feel it is a double outrage that those who have given their all to this country in taxes and raising children have to pay a TV licence fee and are only exempt if they receive means-tested Pension Credit. Meanwhile, some media figures draw huge salaries."

[TV Licences knocked to 0 for three groups of UK households - full list]

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The DCMS responded: "There are a number of TV licence concessions available, including for over-75s in receipt of pension credit. There is no BBC concession to provide free TV licences for all pensioners at this time.

"TV Licence concessions are set out in legislation and are currently available to people who are registered blind or severely sight impaired, as well as to over-75s in receipt of pension credit, and people living in qualifying residential care who are disabled or over 60 years old. The Government is committed to the current licence fee and its available concessions for the remainder of this Charter period, until the end of 2027.

"More broadly, the Government is absolutely committed to supporting pensioners and giving them the dignity and security they deserve in retirement. That is why, through our commitment to protect the Triple Lock, over 12 million pensioners will benefit. From the end of this Parliament, spending on the State Pension as a result of our commitment to protect the Triple Lock is forecast to be over 30 billion more a year, compared with 2024/25. This will see pensioners' yearly incomes rising by up to 2,100. The basic and new State Pensions increased by 4.8% in April, benefiting over 12 million pensioners by up to 575.

"We are also keeping an open mind about new concessions and are considering a range of options to better account for different household situations. As set out in the Charter Review Green Paper, we do not plan to remove any existing concessions."

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