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TV Licences no longer free for over-75s

Benefit stopped for older residents

Residents over the age of 75 must begin paying for their TV licences from today (1 September).

As agreed by Tynwald last year, the benefit - which wasn't means-tested - has been stopped for older residents.

It was formerly subsidised by the Manx government - UK residents will continue to have their fees paid by the British government.

The Manx Treasury says it was left with no choice but to remove the benefit, and it wasn't legally possible to postpone changes whilst negotiations with the BBC were ongoing.

Minister Eddie Teare explains the figures behind the controversial change:

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