Pensioners gather at BBC protesting the decision to take away the free TV license for people over 75-years-old
The BBC will operate a self-verification system where individuals aged 75 or over, need to demonstrate their receipt of Pension Credit in order to qualify.
TV Licensing will write to all free over-75 licence holders before May 31 2020 to let them know how they may be affected and what they will need to do.
TV Licensing will launch a free telephone information line this month where older customers and their relatives can access recorded information on the new policy and advice to customers by calling 0800 232 1382.
Face-to-face assistance will be provided for older people delivered by specially trained customer care field staff and the size of the TV Licensing customer support call centre will also be increased.
TV Licensing will develop a new “easier” pay as you go payment scheme especially for customers who will need to pay for their licence from June 2020.
This scheme will let customers spread the cost of their licence in fortnightly or monthly payments to make it easier to pay.
Pictures by Jonathan Porter/PressEye