Campaign Demands End to £180 TV Licence for Pensioners

A growing campaign is calling for all UK state pensioners to receive free TV licences, as pressure mounts on the government and the BBC ahead of another licence fee increase.

An online petition is urging the Labour government and the BBC to scrap the £180 annual TV licence fee for all pensioners by introducing a state-funded exemption. Supporters argue that many older people rely heavily on television for companionship, especially during the ongoing cost-of-living pressures.

The petition states that pensioners who have contributed through taxes and raising families throughout their lives should not have to pay the fee in retirement. It also criticises the current system, where only those receiving means-tested Pension Credit qualify for a free licence.

Campaigners say rising food prices and energy bills are making life increasingly difficult for older people, while some high-profile media personalities continue to earn substantial salaries.

Created by Michael Thompson, the petition has so far attracted around 1,750 signatures. It needs 10,000 signatures to receive an official government response, while 100,000 signatures would make it eligible for consideration for a debate in Parliament. The petition remains open until 21 July 2026.

The debate comes as the TV licence fee is set to increase again from 1 April 2026. Under the current BBC Charter agreement, the annual colour TV licence fee will rise to £180, reflecting a 3.14% inflation-linked increase based on CPI figures. The black-and-white licence fee will increase to £60.50.

The current BBC Charter began in January 2017 and is due to expire at the end of 2027.