Half a million older people with dementia face losing free TV licences

More than half a million older people with dementia could be forced to pay for their TV licences from next year, research suggests. 

The estimate came after the BBC announced it will make people aged 75 or over pay £154.50 a year for their TV licences from June, apart from those who claim the means-tested pension credit.

More than 552,000 older people with dementia, including more than 140,000 aged 90 or over, could lose their free TV licences as a result of the change, statistics show.

The total was reached by combining official population statistics with the prevalence of dementia by age group.

The Alzheimer’s Society said that television can serve as a "lifeline" for isolated older people following the study, which was commissioned by the Labour Party.

Gavin Terry, the charity's head of policy, told The Guardian: "It’s vital that this change to TV licensing is rolled out in a way that is easy to access and understand for people with dementia and their carers, so they aren’t in the dark and can continue to remain connected to the community."

A spokesman for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: “We’re disappointed with the BBC’s decision not to continue free licences for the over-75s. We’ve been clear that we want and expect it to continue this concession.

“We want every person with dementia, and their carers and families, to receive high-quality and compassionate care, and since 2012 have spent £433m to accelerate progress in early detection, improved treatment, prevention and care.”

A BBC spokesperson said: “TV Licensing recognises that some people are vulnerable and it’s important to provide additional support and reasonable adjustments for these customers.

"We want to work very closely with organisations working with older people to offer as much help as we can and we know that customers may prefer a family member or carer to deal with their TV Licence on their behalf, so we already have mechanisms in place to facilitate this.”