BBC’s costly licence fee move

Already households here are facing higher costs of living, with rising electricity and waste prices among the things creating pressure, especially for those on a fixed income.

Groups representing older people are rightly concerned that having to foot the £154.50 a year bill could push more people into relative poverty, or simply leave them isolated, unable to afford to pay.

While the States covers the fee for over-65s receiving supplementary benefit, there will always be some who do not want to be seen as a burden and so do not claim what they are entitled to. Many, more simply, do not qualify.

Currently just over 3,000 households claim a free over-75s TV licence in the island.

In total it would cost the corporation £745m. annually to maintain the status quo, while the new proposal cuts that bill to £250m. as it will continue to provide TV licences to over-75s who can provide evidence that they claim pension credit in the UK.

Policy & Resources is keen that Guernsey residents are effectively treated the same as those in the UK under any new scheme – discussions are under way as to what it will mean if the plan comes in as scheduled from June 2020.

The corporation has argued the change is the only way to avoid closing channels or making substantial cutbacks.

It has become responsible for the cost thanks to a decision by the Conservatives in 2015 to phase out government support as part of a deal that let the BBC charge more for the licence fee. The BBC believes that many over-75s are increasingly wealthy and able to pay.

Announcing the move on the same day as the Conservative leadership race hotted up has already turned it a campaigning issue – contenders have begun to voice their disapproval. Labour has pledged to fight the change, while the Culture Secretary is piling the pressure on the corporation to do more to help support older people.

There is significant opposition ready to derail these plans.