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Rule changes mean over-75s will be forced to pay £157.50 to watch TV for the first time in 20 years. The BBC has refused to fund the concession any longer, claiming it was too poor to pay for the scheme. Instead of slashing presenters’ pay packets and stripping out layers of management, some of the most vulnerable and isolated people will be chased for payment.

The BBC claimed most pensioners were now aware they needed to pay up.

All viewers aged 75 and over who had qualified for a free licence will have to pay, unless they are on Pension Credit.

Around 900,000 people receive the benefit, yet it is estimated 1.5 million more could be eligible but do not claim. In total, 3.75 million people will have to pay the fee.

Tory MP Robert Halfon, chair of the Commons Education Select Committee, warned: “It is astonishing the BBC would rather tax low-income pensioners. This is despite promising the contrary.

“Yet they spend millions on internal training, white elephants and senior management’s extraordinary salaries.

“If the BBC don’t want the public movement to end the TV tax licence fee to become a tidal wave, they need to sort out their priorities.

“The BBC should be a broadcaster for the many and not the few.”

The BBC said: “Over-75s households will start to receive letters about how to set up their new TV Licence from today. No one needs to do anything until they have received the letter – whether that’s paying or applying for a free licence – and no one needs to leave their home.

“There are now 800 specially trained agents working to support customers. We are also working with hundreds of money advice and community organisations to reach older people directly, so they understand what the changes mean.

“Our communications to older people have been at a great scale since we announced our decision last June and 450,000 people have already applied for a free licence.

“Our research shows awareness of the policy change is very high – at over 90 percent of over-75s.”

The letter offers a new payment plan with an option for smaller more flexible payments in weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments.

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