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The DWP have been pushing more people to apply for State Pension(Image: PA)<\/p>\nThe DWP have been pushing more people to apply for State PensionThe DWP have been pushing more people to apply for State Pension(Image: PA)<\/p>\n
Some pensioners will have their TV licence bill put back to \u00a30 ahead of a rise to more than \u00a3180<\/a> next year. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP<\/a>) has explained that Pension Credit claimants may see their bills reduced.<\/a><\/p>\n The DWP wrote on social media channels<\/a>: “Could you be missing out on Pension Credit? It is worth on average \u00a34,200 a year.<\/p>\n “To receive payment and other benefits check your eligibility for Pension Credit and apply online.”<\/p>\n Claiming Pension Credit unlocks various benefits, such as a free TV licence for individuals over the age of 75. Not only do pensioners get a free TV licence, but they also get access to free prescriptions in addition to \u00a3230.25 a week.<\/p>\n The BBC<\/a> licence fee is expected to exceed \u00a3180 next year, raising concerns about the financial future of the national broadcaster.<\/p>\n We have a dedicated newsletter for ChronicleLive\u2019s money-saving and cost of living stories. It\u2019s free and you can sign up to receive it here<\/a>. It will keep you up to date with all the latest money news and budgeting tips as well as stories on the cost of living crisis in our region<\/p>\n Due to high inflation, the fee paid by TV viewers is predicted to increase by nearly \u00a37 in the spring, going up from the current annual rate of \u00a3174.50<\/a>. This puts the yearly fee to more than \u00a3180.<\/p>\n Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, has stated that she will uphold the existing agreement, but intends to revise the funding model for the BBC in the future. Speaking about the future of the licence fee<\/a> at the Labour<\/a> Party conference last month, Ms Nandy said: \u201cThe only thing we\u2019ve ruled out is general taxation.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you had a grant from the Government each year, it would be far too easy for politicians to pull that funding and use it as a stick to beat the BBC with. It\u2019s essential we protect the BBC from that.\u201d<\/p>\n A spokesman for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport said: \u201cNo final decision has yet been made on the exact level of next year\u2019s licence fee.<\/p>\n \u201cWe will set this out in due course.\u201d You could also be eligible for a discounted TV licence if you live in residential care or sheltered accommodation, or if you\u2019re registered blind.<\/p>\n The licence must be in the name of the registered blind person. If your existing licence is not in their name, you can apply to transfer it.<\/p>\n