Oldham Lib-Dem leader's fury over free tv licence issue

Councillor Howard Sykes

The Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council is furious with the Government.

Councillor Howard Sykes has previously written to the Secretary of State of The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the issue of seeking a continuation of free television licences for the over-75s.

Now the Conservative Government is going ahead with charging those over-75s and more than three million households will be required to start paying the £157.50 licence fee from the start of August.

For many who live alone, the television is their sole companion.

Not just a source of entertainment, the television allows people to stay informed on current Government advice in an ever-changing situation.

Councillor Sykes said: “Millions of pensioners have spent lockdown at home with TV.

"It has provided an invaluable source of information and solace during the crisis.”

He added: “The government have put lots of pressure on the BBC, financial pressure.

"The BBC is impartial, but it seems the government is seeking to influence them increasingly more.

"This decision should have been made by the BBC, not by a bullying government low on cash.”

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