Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the BBC about plans to charge those aged over 75 for a TV licence, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The BBC and the government continue to discuss the national Coronavirus situation.

The BBC’s priority over the coming period will be to do everything it can to serve the nation at this uniquely challenging time. As the national broadcaster, the BBC has a vital role to play in supplying information to the public in the weeks and months ahead.

The future of the over 75 concession and the costs of the concession are matters for the BBC following the passage of the Digital Economy Act 2017.

Recognising the exceptional circumstances, the BBC Board has decided to change the start date of the new policy. We will bring this into force on 1 August and the BBC will keep the issue under review as the situation continues to evolve.