Government, BBC agree deal for free TV licences for over 75s

Fri, 27 Apr 2018

The BBC will issue TV licences free of charge to those aged over 75 on the Isle of Man.

The Manx Government and the BBC has agreed a new deal which will see those over 75 years old automatically issued with a new licence shortly before the renewal date.

Pensioners over 75 years old currently have to buy a licence themselves before applying to the Government for a refund.

The BBC will cover a third of the cost this year, two thirds next year and the full amount from the 2020-2021 financial year, with the Government making up the difference for the next two years.

Chief Minister Howard Quayle welcomed the agreement, which gives those eligible the same deal as those in the UK.