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25/06/2019
SF Slam TV Licence Plans
A Sinn Fein MLA has hit out at plans to scrap free TV licences for some over 75s.
Foyle MLA Karen Mullan was speaking after joining trade unions at a rally outside BBC Radio Foyle in L'Derry today, Tuesday 25 June. Demonstrators also gathered outside the corporation's building in Belfast to protest the decision.
Karen Mullan said: "Moves to scrap free TV licences for some over 75's is another example of the Tories penalising large sections of our society.
"Pensioners are paying for the price for Tory austerity.
"This move could put the price of a TV licence beyond some pensioners which would increase isolation, poverty and have a negative impact on their mental health.
"Older people who are in receipt of pension credits will still be able to avail of free TV licences so I would encourage pensions to check if they are eligible."
The BBC plans to means test free TV licences, meaning that least 650,000 pensioners in the UK will face a bill they may not be able to afford.
An Age UK petition demanding that Government takes back responsibility for funding the free utility has so far reached over 580,000 signatures.
(JG/CM)
Foyle MLA Karen Mullan was speaking after joining trade unions at a rally outside BBC Radio Foyle in L'Derry today, Tuesday 25 June. Demonstrators also gathered outside the corporation's building in Belfast to protest the decision.
Karen Mullan said: "Moves to scrap free TV licences for some over 75's is another example of the Tories penalising large sections of our society.
"Pensioners are paying for the price for Tory austerity.
"This move could put the price of a TV licence beyond some pensioners which would increase isolation, poverty and have a negative impact on their mental health.
"Older people who are in receipt of pension credits will still be able to avail of free TV licences so I would encourage pensions to check if they are eligible."
The BBC plans to means test free TV licences, meaning that least 650,000 pensioners in the UK will face a bill they may not be able to afford.
An Age UK petition demanding that Government takes back responsibility for funding the free utility has so far reached over 580,000 signatures.
(JG/CM)
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