For immediate release
Responding to the announcement that the BBC will delay the abolition of free licence fees for the over 75s, John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said:
“Pensioners will breathe a sigh of relief that they won’t now be hit by the terrible TV tax during this troubling period.
“BBC execs are right to acknowledge that the licence fee is a huge burden on people who, given the ongoing situation with the Coronavirus, will need access to their televisions more than usual.
"This comes as a timely reminder that television is a lifeline for older people and it’s ultimately untenable that everyone in twenty-first century Britain is taxed simply for turning on the TV."
“Pensioners will breathe a sigh of relief that they won’t now be hit by the terrible TV tax during this troubling period.
“BBC execs are right to acknowledge that the licence fee is a huge burden on people who, given the ongoing situation with the Coronavirus, will need access to their televisions more than usual.
"This comes as a timely reminder that television is a lifeline for older people and it’s ultimately untenable that everyone in twenty-first century Britain is taxed simply for turning on the TV."
TPA spokesmen are available for live and pre-recorded broadcast interviews via 07795 084 113 (no texts)
Media contact:
Sam Packer
Media Campaign Manager, TaxPayers' Alliance
[email protected]
24-hour media hotline: 07795 084 113 (no texts)
- Founded in 2004 by Matthew Elliott and Andrew Allum, the TaxPayers’ Alliance (TPA) fights to reform taxes, reduce spending and protect taxpayers. Find out more about the TaxPayers' Alliance at www.taxpayersalliance.com.
- TaxPayers' Alliance's advisory council.
- The TaxPayers' Alliance launched the Axe the Tax campaign in January 2020, calling for an end to the television licence fee.