Free TV licences have proved a lifeline for thousands of over-75s.
For many, TV is a vital source of entertainment, companionship and information.
But it is now at risk.
Having been handed responsibility for the £745million annual cost of providing free TV licences by the Tories, the BBC is now considering means testing the support.
This could see nearly three million households denied the benefit.
Means testing has proven to be a clumsy and ineffective way of rationing payments.
The charity Age UK says that 37% of single pensioners – 840,000 people – fail to claim pension credit.
It is likely to be the same case with free TV licences if they are means tested.
The fault lies with the Government, not the BBC.
The Tories made a manifesto pledge to protect the perk, and are now claiming it is now a decision for the Beeb.
Theresa May easily found £1billion to buy the votes of the DUP to shore up her Government, so she can hardly claim this a question of money.
If they allow the BBC to slash the benefit, they will betray millions of pensioners and prove yet again they cannot be trusted.
