Monday 22 June 2020
The BBC has decided to extend the existing age-related free TV licences scheme for residents in Guernsey and Alderney until 31 December 2020. Under existing arrangements with the States of Guernsey, the cost of the scheme is being funded by the BBC.
The BBC's decision means that anyone already over the age of 75 who receives a free TV licence will continue to do so until the end of the year. Those people don't need to take any action as their licences will be extended automatically. The BBC has indicated that the licences covering the period to 31 December 2020 will be automatically issued from the end of July.
The free licence scheme for over 75s is not open to new entrants (so it is not open to anyone who reached the age of 75 after 01 September 2016). However, the States of Guernsey does fund the provision of a TV licence to Guernsey and Alderney residents over pensionable age (currently 65 and 2 months) who are in receipt of income support.
In the UK, the BBC has already announced its decision on the future of the UK over-75 scheme which will see free licences for all cease and instead a free TV licence issued to any household with someone aged over 75 who receives the UK's Pension Credit. There is no direct equivalent to that benefit in the Bailiwick. However, the BBC has signalled its commitment to the principle of equal treatment for all British licence fee payers.
The BBC is due to consider the future of the over-75 scheme for the Bailiwick later this year. The BBC has indicated that a public consultation will take place within the Bailiwick before any decision is made.
