Andrew Bridgen hit out at the BBC’s plans to drop funding for a free TV licence for the over 75s. The MP for northwest Leicestershire argued the decriminalisation of the fee must be put back on the table. Jacob Rees-Mogg seconded his comments calling it a “public service”.

Speaking in Commons, Mr Bridgen said: “Will the BBC gain concessions? They got an annual inflation increase to the licence fee, an extension to the charter period and they no longer ask to fund the role of superfast broadband.

“Also my proposal for decriminalisation of licence fee was dropped in return for the BBC agreeing to fund the universal concession of over 75s licence fee.

“Given that the BBC now seen intent of reneging on that promise to our over 75s and noting the comments of the Prime Minister a couple of weeks ago, does my Rt. Hon friend agree with me now is the time to revisit decriminalisation as a method of protecting the poor and the vulnerable from this most regressive of taxes.

“When will the Government find the time to debate this matter?”

Jacob Rees-Mogg replied: “It’s worth pointing out the criminalisation of not paying the licence fee fall particularly heavy on women who tend to be the ones most often found guilty of this offence.

“I think the Prime Minister has heard it because I believe he has made an indications that this is a matter that may be considered.

“I think my honourable friend who is raising it and campaigning for it is doing a public service.”

The last BBC charter renewal took place on 1 January 2017 and runs until 31 December 2027.

There were significant changes to the charter, including the closure of the loophole which allowed people to watch the iPlayer without paying the licence fee.

However, it was an announcement in June 2019 which caused an ongoing controversy.

The BBC announced that free TV licences for the over-75s would be scrapped so that the corporation could continue to support its on-air services.

Free TV licences for the over-75s were introduced by Gordon Brown in 1999 when he was Chancellor.

DON’T MISS

BBC licence fee poll: Should the BBC be a subscription service? [INSIGHT]
BBC licence fee: Eamonn Holmes launches passionate plea to Johnson [VIDEO]
BBC TV licence row: Boris Johnson has ‘drawn up plan to abolish’ fee [VIDEO]

The BBC has defended the Corporation’s licence fee amid plans being flouted by the Government to scrap it, making it a subscription-only service.

Lord Tony Hall has spoken out about how Prime Minister Boris Johnson raised questions on the future of the broadcaster since a recent slump in BBC ratings.

Lord Hall told the Financial Times the BBC’s success lies in it “being paid for and owned by the British public”.

He added he was desperate for the BBC to expand outside of the so-called London Bubble to continue “doing even more for communities”.

Source: Read Full Article