Three out of four people believe the Government should continue to fund free TV licences for the over-75s, a poll shows today.
Research for Age UK reveals the overwhelming groundswell of support for Whitehall to carry on paying for the lifeline, currently worth £154.50 a year.
The strength of feeling crossed the generations, with 71% of those aged between 18 to and 64 agreeing the funding responsibility should sit with the Government.
The number rose to 82% among over-65s and 92% among those immediately affected, the over-75s.
Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams said: “It’s fantastic to see such solid support for maintaining free TV licences for our over-75s.
(Image: Age UK)
“If you look at these findings what jumps out is how strong and consistent public opinion is on this issue, right across Great Britain – among men and women of all ages, all political persuasions, all levels of income, and in every region and country.
“It is no good the Government saying that it’s up to the BBC to fund the free TV licence for over-75s now: these new findings show that if they stick to this position it is they who will ultimately be held responsible by the public for letting millions of older people down.
“A promise is a promise and this research shows that if a party ignores a manifesto pledge it risks electoral consequences – especially on an emotive issue like free TV licences for the over-75s which raises questions of fairness towards older people, as well as undermining public trust in politicians.”
The Conservatives pledged at the 2017 snap general election to maintain free TV licences for the rest of this Parliament.
But the BBC was handed responsibility for funding the £745million-a-year bill from June 2020, under a deal stitched up by the Conservatives in 2015.
The Corporation has announced only over-75s receiving Pension Credit will be eligible.
Just 1.5 million OAPs are likely to be able to receive a free licence from next June.
An estimated 3.7 million will lose out.
BBC Director-General Lord Tony Hall blamed Tory austerity for the controversial curb when he gave evidence to a House of Lords committee last month.
MPs will investigate the move, hauling witnesses before the Commons Culture Committee on July 17.
The Mirror is campaigning to save free licences, with more than 18,000 readers backing the fight by completing coupons in the paper.
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Royle Family actor Ricky Tomlinson have supported the battle.
Nearly 600,000 people have signed Age UK’s Switched Off petition calling for the licences to be preserved and the Government to take back responsibility.
