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The BBC is to delay TV licence payment modifications for the over-75s till August in gentle of the coronavirus scenario.
Free TV licences for as much as 3.7 million individuals had been on account of be scrapped on 1 June, however that has been put again to 1 August.
These are “distinctive circumstances” and “now isn’t the fitting time”, BBC chairman Sir David Clementi stated.
He added: “We’re totally focussed on delivering our providers to the general public at this troublesome time.”
Final yr, the company introduced that solely low-income households the place one particular person receives the pension credit score profit will nonetheless be eligible for a free licence.
On Monday, amid the rising unfold of the coronavirus, the BBC and the federal government issued a joint assertion saying they “are not looking for anybody to be nervous about any potential change” on the present time.
“The BBC’s precedence over the approaching interval will probably be to do every part we are able to to serve the nation at this uniquely difficult time,” the assertion stated.
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“Because the nationwide broadcaster, the BBC has a significant function to play in supplying data to the general public within the weeks and months forward.
“Recognising the distinctive circumstances, the BBC board has due to this fact determined to alter the beginning date of the brand new coverage. Our present plan is to now carry it into place on 1 August. We are going to in fact maintain the problem underneath evaluation because the scenario continues to evolve.”
Tradition Secretary Oliver Dowden stated: “I’m happy the BBC has labored with us and agreed to delay their licence payment modifications for over-75s from coming in and can maintain this underneath evaluation.
“Will probably be welcome information to tens of millions of older individuals who now need not fear about their TV licence throughout this difficult interval.
“It’s proper that the BBC have recognised the distinctive circumstances posed by the coronavirus outbreak and the necessity for the entire nation to drag collectively within the nationwide effort.”