End of Free TV Licences

This weekend marks the end of free TV licences for many of the over-75s. Simultaneoulsly the charity, "Age UK" has warned of the risks of pensioners being "very distressed" by the BBC's use of a company previously accused of aggressive tactics.

BBC bosses have formerly warned that the extension of the TV licence concession during lockdown would be ended as the corporation needs to raise revenue. Last year the BBC announced that collecting licence fees would be tasked to Capita and that "outreach" officers would be contacting elderly people to ensure payment. It has been claimed that Capita has previously faced accusations of using ruthless collection methods.

Age UK said that "horror stories" were inescapable as pensioners are chased for licence fees and that many of those eager to fall in line with the new rules could end up making extra payments by mistake. The charity has warned that disabled people and dementia sufferers will be among those who are put under pressure to pay up.

Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, Age UK's director, Caroline Abrahams said, "The over-75s include many very vulnerable people, among them hundreds of thousands who are sick, disabled, with dementia or other forms of cognitive decline".

Further comment was made, "Capita's record is not unblemished when it comes to how they operate. This scarcely gives us confidence. There will be horror stories. It's utterly foreseeable and disgraceful that some older people will be very distressed."

The licence fee changes are set to affect 4.5 million elderly people who are at risk due to confusing new arrangements and strict rules being enforced by the fee collection firm. Ms Abrahams added, "There is a risk of double payment because many older people will be extremely keen to ensure they abide by the new regime. There is a risk of confusion among some."

Three years ago Capita conducted an internal review and two staff members were suspended after the BBC ordered an investigation into reports that Capita employees were using aggressive tactics to target vulnerable people.

One man with a brain tumour and early onset dementia was taken to court after forgetting to make a payment, and the case was only dropped when his doctor provided written evidence to magistrates.

The Director-General of the BBC, Lord Hall. said the behaviour was "neither systemic nor representative" of field operations conducted by the firm.

The BBC has announced that, "From August we are writing to over-75s' households and they do not need to do anything until they receive this letter. They will be given plenty of time to set up their licence and can do so safely without leaving their home. We will not be visiting households registered as having held a free licence during this time".

Capita and TV Licensing did not respond to a request for comment.

Mandy Peters Solicitors 

Lewisham