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  "path": "/money/bbc-licence-fee-free-pensioners-price-rise",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-05T19:59:51.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "The petition",
    "BBC Sport presenter quits after 13 years following heartbreaking message from infant daughter",
    "Princess Anne set to bestow honours on multiple British TV stars today",
    "'When weather is calm, numbers ROCKET' - Martin Daubney clashes with Deborah Meaden over small boats",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nA petition has been launched on the UK Government’s official website calling for free TV licences to be extended to all pensioners.\n\nThe campaign, created by Michael Thompson, argues that many older people are facing financial hardship while relying on television as a key source of companionship.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe proposal comes weeks after the annual TV licence fee increased from £174.50 to £180 on April 1.\n\nAt present, only individuals aged 75 and over who receive Pension Credit qualify for a free licence.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe petition calls for the concession to be expanded to all pensioners, including those reaching state pension age as it rises from 66 to 67.\n\nThe campaign states: \"Many pensioners live on the breadline with only the TV for company, with the cost of food soaring and utility bills ever higher, we feel there is a desperate need to provide all pensioners with at least this concession.\"\n\nIt also describes the current system as a \"double outrage\" for those who have paid taxes throughout their lives.\n\nUnder existing rules, the only way to avoid paying the licence fee is through eligibility for means-tested Pension Credit.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nIf the petition reaches 10,000 signatures, the Government will issue a formal written response, most likely from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.\n\nShould it secure 100,000 signatures, the Petitions Committee will consider it for a parliamentary debate.\n\nThe petition is available on the UK Government’s Petitions Parliament website, where members of the public can sign and track its progress.\n\nThose already receiving Pension Credit can apply for a free licence when they reach the age of 74, with payments adjusted until they turn 75.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * BBC Sport presenter quits after 13 years following heartbreaking message from infant daughter\n  * Princess Anne set to bestow honours on multiple British TV stars today\n  * 'When weather is calm, numbers ROCKET' - Martin Daubney clashes with Deborah Meaden over small boats\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe Department for Culture, Media and Sport said the £5.50 increase is in line with inflation, as set out in the 2022 Licence Fee Settlement.\n\nA further increase is expected next April under the same agreement.\n\nA spokesman said the Government recognises the financial pressures facing households but remains committed to maintaining a funding model for the BBC that is \"sustainable, fair and affordable.\"\n\nFor households struggling with the cost, payment plans are available allowing the £180 fee to be spread across monthly instalments starting from £15.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nReduced fees are offered to care home residents, while those registered as blind or severely sight impaired can apply for a discounted licence costing £90.\n\nThe black and white TV licence has also increased by £2 to £60.50 for the 2026 to 2027 period.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Petition launched for free BBC licences for ALL pensioners after fee rises to £180"
}