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<p>The government recognises the importance of television to people of all ages, particularly
for older people who value television as a source of entertainment, companionship
and a way to stay connected with the world.</p><p> </p><p>We are very disappointed
with the BBC’s decision that only people who are aged 75 and above and in receipt
of pension credit will continue to receive a free television licence from June 2020.
The Secretary of State has met with the Chairman of the BBC Board and the Director-General
of the BBC and asked them to do more to help the most vulnerable groups affected by
the decision.</p><p> </p><p>A TV licence is only required to watch or record live
television programmes, or to download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer. Therefore,
those without a TV licence will still be able to access other BBC content via the
BBC radio stations (including BBC Sounds and BBC iPlayer Radio), and the BBC, BBC
News and BBC Sport websites.</p><p> </p><p>Further television programming can also
be reached via other On-Demand and subscription television services, and current affairs
content is available through news websites, newspapers, social media channels and
apps, enabling continued democratic engagement. Online parliamentary petitions can
be found here: <a href="https://petition.parliament.uk/" target="_blank">https://petition.parliament.uk/</a>.</p><p>
</p><p>More information about when a TV Licence is required can be found on the TV
Licensing website here: <a href="https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one"
target="_blank">https://www.tvlicensing.co.uk/check-if-you-need-one</a></p>
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