BBC bosses caused a public outcry after announcing they will axe free TV licences for the over-75s from June 2020, except for individuals claiming pensions benefit. About 3.7 million pensioners will have to fork out £154.50 a year under the rule change when it comes into effect. The BBC said it had to scrap the universal TV licence after being told by the Government that it would no longer pay the service out of general taxation. But angry campaigners have lambasted the broadcaster for continuing to pay huge paychecks for its stars, which they say could fund the £745m black hole.

An online petition launched by older person’s charity Age UK had reached 603,224 signatures at the time of writing.

And today, the public will get to see BBC chiefs quizzed by MPs over the proposed changes.

BBC Chairman Sir David Clementi and BBC Director-General Lord Tony Hall face a grilling by the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee (DCMS) along with other senior members.

The live debates starts at 2.30pm from Portcullis House at Westminster.

The inquiry has been piggybacked onto a planned scrutinisation of the BBC’s Annual Report 2018-19, which takes place every year.

The DCMS committee is chaired by Folkestone and Hythe MP Damian Collins.

Written submissions by pensioners affected by the move will be considered on the day by the committee along with oral submission given by BBC bosses.

After the inquiry, the Committee will produce a report and make recommendations to the Government of what it believes should happen next.

The UK Parliament website says the Government “must respond to each of the report’s recommendations within two months of publication”.

But the Government does not necessarily have to act on the findings.

And it could face embarrassment if BBC bosses decide to criticise the Conservatives for their decision.

The broadcaster said it would have had to make “unprecedented” closures to services unless universal TV licences were scrapped for the over 75s.

Ahead of the debate today, a Government spokesman said: “We’re very disappointed with this decision.

“We’ve been clear that we want and expect the BBC to continue this concession.

“People across the country value television as a way to stay connected, and we want the BBC to look at further ways to support older people.

“Taxpayers want to see the BBC using its substantial licence fee income in an appropriate way to ensure it delivers for UK audiences, which includes showing restraint on salaries for senior staff.”

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