Coming soon: TV licence changes for the over-75s

Wednesday 16 November 2016

The BBC could soon be funding free TV licences for all Islanders over 75.

In the UK anyone over 75 is entitled to a free TV licence. The current cost of a colour TV licence is £145. In the past the cost of these ‘free’ licences was paid for by the UK Government, an annual pay-out of around £608m. But it was agreed that starting in 2018, the BBC would now absorb the costs.

There’s a similar ‘free’ TV scheme in Jersey for the over 75s, although here it’s means tested and is funded by the taxpayer, rather than the BBC.

Speaking in today’s States assembly, Deputy Montfort Tadier said under the current situation Islanders are being discriminated against and he also feels it’s putting an unfair burden on the States.

Currently there are 37,300 licences in Jersey, which nets the BBC £5.4m a year. Of those, 1,520 are ‘free’ over 75s licences, for which the States pay the BBC around £220,000. If the scheme was extended to cover all over 75s in the Island regardless of their income, the States would be paying an estimated £516,150 a year.

Deputy Tadier believes the BBC should also cover the cost of Jersey’s ‘free’ over 75s licences and that, as in the UK, anyone should be able to apply whatever their income.

Senator Philip Ozouf today told the States assembly that he was in negotiations with the BBC.

He said: “The agreement between the UK and BBC with regard to age-related concessions with the TV licence only apply to people over-75 in the UK, but not the Crown Dependancies. This is partly due to the fact the social security systems are separate and distinct.

“Discussions have been held with the BBC on a pan-island basis, with our representatives in Guernsey and the Isle of Man to ensure an equitable approach across all the Crown Dependancies.

“In recent months numerous meetings have taken place and I look forward to providing further information once an agreement between the BBC and the States of Jersey has been finalised. This will be, I hope, before the end of the year.”

Deputy Tadier said there was a clear need for a “level playing field.”

He said: “There is talk about a fair deal for the Island and an equitable approach towards all the Crown Dependancies, but can the Assistant Minister give us an assurance that when the talks are happening there is somebody there saying we expect the BBC to give free TV licences to the over-75s in Jersey to ensure a level playing field and we would accept nothing less than that. Has that position been put forward to the BBC on behalf of Islanders?   

Senator Ozouf replied: “Does the Deputy not understand this is a delicate negotiation and you can’t just go in with hobnail boots and say to the BBC, pay for the licences of the over-75s. Many people would question as to whether that it is sustainable in the longer term for universal benefit for TV licences and whether that is affordable.

“This problem – a taxpayer funded benefit in the UK – has been shifted to the BBC. Of course we are going to want to have equality for Islanders, but we have to be realistic. People are living older and is it possible in 10, 20, 30 years’ time that there will be free TV licences. Will people want to have millionaires getting a free TV licence along with people on low incomes.”

Deputy Tadier responded, saying: “Free TV licences are the Government’s choice and the BBC’s choice, it is nothing to do with the Social Security Minister over here. If the BBC have introduced free TV licences for all the over-75s in the UK, then why should that not apply to British citizens across the British Isles? There must be a level playing field.”