Government must foot the bill to keep TV licences free for over 75s

Responding to news that the BBC will ask over-75s to start paying for TV licences from 1 August, Liberal Democrat Digital, Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson Daisy Cooper said: "Many people over the age of 75 are worried about setting foot outside their homes due to the risk of COVID-19. For those who are isolated, television is a lifeline - especially right now. It is a travesty that many may now lose access to this vital service.  "The Government has forced the BBC into a corner where it has to choose between further cuts to its programming or raising these fees. The Government must foot the bill so that millions of elderly people are not left without television during this ongoing crisis and commit to a new independent body that can determine fair funding without Government interference.  "At a time when fake news about COVID-19 is going viral, the Liberal Democrats will continue to champion our public broadcasters, given their vital role providing accurate, impartial information to those who need it most.”