On Air Holiday Music Mark Burrows | 10:00am - 2:00pm

Over 75's to get free TV licence for another year

Support exended as review takes place

Government says it will continue to cover the cost of TV licences for over 75's who aren't on income support for another year.

In Autumn 2020 the BBC announced it would stop funding the licences of those in the age bracket unless they qualified for the benefit.

This left around 5,000 households in the Isle of Man facing the £159 bill in the new year, whilst around 500 would qualify for a free licence, regardless.

At the end of October last year government announced it would cover the cost, a move estimated to cost around £750,000.

It's set to do that again in 2022, while, it says, a review is undertaken around the eligibility criteria.

Treasury says it will write to those approaching their 75th birthday, inviting them to get their free TV licence.

Treasury Minister David Ashford MHK said: ‘It is important we make this commitment, allay any anxiety and be clear that provision will remain in place for a further 12 months.

‘Consideration will now be given to how provision may look in the future and an update will be made in due course around any conditions which may be established.’

More from Isle of Man News