John Sergeant urges BBC to rethink decision to scrap free TV licences for over-75s

mirror.co.uk:

John Sergeant says it should not be a criminal offence to watch TV without owning a licence. But the BBC’s former chief political correspondent added the corporation should not reverse its decision to axe free licences for over-75s.

John, 76, wants changes to the system as there is “insufficient support” in the licence fee. He said: “Some decisions have already been taken, which might wisely be left to stand.

For good or ill, the BBC has decided to cease fully funding the licence fee for over-75s. A U-turn would be far too damaging. “Despite the likely loss in revenue, the BBC should accept that failing to pay the licence fee is no longer a criminal offence." He added: “The system itself has to change: the licence fee, as presently