A UK petition demanding free TV licences for all pensioners has closed with 67,060 signatures, but the Government has confirmed that it will not introduce a universal concession at this time. Existing support remains limited mainly to people aged 75 or over who receive Pension Credit.
Free TV Licence Petition Ends With 67,060 Signatures
The campaign opened on January 21, 2026, and asked ministers to fund a television licence for every existing pensioner and anyone reaching the official retirement age in future.
It closed on July 21 with 67,060 signatures. That was above the 10,000 required for a formal Government response but below the 100,000 threshold normally needed for consideration for a parliamentary debate.
The final total, campaign timeline and ministerial response are available on the official UK Parliament petition page.
Government Rules Out a Universal Concession for Now
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport responded on June 1. It said there was no plan at that time to provide a free licence to every pensioner and confirmed that existing concessions would continue for the remainder of the current BBC Royal Charter period, which ends in December 2027.
Ministers said the present system directs support towards older households considered most in need. Their response noted that a free licence for everyone aged over 75 had previously been estimated to cost approximately £745 million annually.
The petition is now closed and cannot collect further signatures. It did not reach the debate threshold and has not changed the law or created a new entitlement.
Who Qualifies for a Free TV Licence in 2026
Retirement, receipt of the State Pension or reaching State Pension age does not automatically qualify someone for a free licence. A person must generally be at least 75 and either receive Pension Credit or live with a partner who receives it.
The concession covers everyone living at the same address, but it is not issued automatically. Eligible households must apply through TV Licensing after their Pension Credit entitlement has been confirmed.
An application can be started at age 74 when the applicant already receives Pension Credit. However, the free licence does not begin until the qualifying period linked to their 75th birthday.
Other TV Licence Discounts Available
Someone who is registered blind or severely sight impaired can receive a 50% discount. The licence must be held in that person’s name.
Eligible residents of care homes, supported housing or sheltered accommodation may qualify for an Accommodation for Residential Care licence costing £7.50. Applicants must usually be retired and over 60 or disabled, while the housing provider normally arranges it.
Older households reviewing their income can check the April 2026 State Pension increase and DWP payment changes to understand how the latest rates affect their finances.
How Much a TV Licence Costs
A standard colour TV licence costs £180 for the 2026–27 financial year after increasing by £5.50 on April 1. A black-and-white licence costs £60.50.
A licence is required to watch or record live television on any channel or service and to use BBC iPlayer. It is not needed solely for non-BBC on-demand platforms such as Netflix, Disney Plus or Amazon Prime Video when no live programmes are watched.
Households experiencing financial difficulty may be able to use the Simple Payment Plan, which divides the annual charge into smaller fortnightly or monthly instalments. This changes the payment schedule but does not reduce the total fee.
Why Checking Pension Credit Matters
Pension Credit can provide access to support beyond its regular income payment, including the television concession for qualifying people aged 75 or over. Anyone uncertain about their entitlement should use the official Government eligibility service before applying.
Benefit and pension schedules vary between individual claims. The guide to Universal Credit and State Pension payment dates explains how weekends, bank holidays and National Insurance numbers can affect when money arrives.
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Could Free TV Licence Rules Change Later?
The Government is reviewing how the BBC should be funded after the current Royal Charter ends. It has said different household circumstances and possible future concessions are being considered, although no replacement policy has been confirmed.
A White Paper outlining proposals for the next Charter is expected later in 2026. Until a formal change is announced, most pensioners must continue paying the standard fee if they watch live television or use BBC iPlayer.
For now, the most practical step for someone aged 75 or over on a low income is to check Pension Credit eligibility and then apply separately for the free licence if they qualify.
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