Overview

• DCMS’s 15 September response to a parliamentary petition confirms no universal concession, reiterating existing discounts for over‑75s on Pension Credit, people registered blind, and qualifying residents in care schemes.
• The Government is significantly expanding the Simple Payment Plan so households in difficulty can pay in smaller instalments, with BBC analysis suggesting usage could reach about 500,000 by the end of 2027.
• The petition calling for state‑funded licences for all pensioners has surpassed 13,000 signatures and could be considered for debate if it reaches 100,000.
• A standard colour TV licence costs £174.50 and is required for watching or recording live TV or using BBC iPlayer, while non‑BBC on‑demand services do not require a licence; breaches can lead to fines of up to around £1,000.
• The BBC remains responsible for administering the over‑75 Pension Credit concession, and separate analysis cited in coverage indicates that hundreds of thousands of eligible people may not be claiming free licences.