TV licence changes for over-75s to be delayed due to coronavirus

The BBC has confirmed it will delay changes to TV licence fees for over-75s until August in light of the coronavirus crisis.

Planned changes to the TV license have been delayed

Free TV licences for up to 3.7 million people had been due to be scrapped as of June 1, but the corporation announced it would be pushed back until August 1.

These are "exceptional circumstances" and "now is not the right time", BBC chairman Sir David Clementi said. "We are fully focused on delivering our services to the public at this difficult time."

In a joint statement with the UK Government, the BBC said: "The BBC's priority over the coming period will be to do everything we can to serve the nation at this uniquely challenging time.

"As the national broadcaster, the BBC has a vital role to play in supplying information to the public in the weeks and months ahead.

"Recognising the exceptional circumstances, the BBC board has therefore decided to change the start date of the new policy. Our current plan is to now bring it into place on 1 August. We will of course keep the issue under review as the situation continues to evolve."

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "I am pleased the BBC has worked with us and agreed to delay their licence fee changes for over-75s from coming in and will keep this under review.

"It will be welcome news to millions of older people who now don't need to worry about their TV licence during this challenging period."