MP'S have branded the decision to scrap free TV licences as 'deeply disappointing' and 'poorly timed'.

The BBC has announced that they will go ahead with their decision to scrap free TV licences for the over-75s, meaning millions of pensioners will start paying the £157.50 fee from August.

Under the new scheme only around 1 million over-75s, who receive pension credit, will be entitled to a free licence.

Wrexham’s MP, Sarah Atherton, has labelled the decision as ‘disappointing’.

She said: "We stood on a manifesto that made clear that the BBC should do the right thing and fund TV licences for over-75s. The BBC’s decision to stop funding free TV licences for most over-75s is very disappointing.

“The BBC chose to delay implementing its decision to stop funding free TV licences for over-75s from June to August. It is deeply disappointing that they have announced they will be going ahead with the decision from August. In light of the restrictions placed on society because of coronavirus, this announcement is very poorly timed and will have a big impact on many of our most vulnerable members of society.”

Clwyd South’s MP, Simon Baynes, added: “For most of us, television is an important connection with the outside world that informs and entertains. It also has a role in keeping people company, and this can be especially true for older people. I know from my own relatives and constituents just how important television is in their lives, this has been especially true during this pandemic.”

Both MPs have signed a letter to the BBC’s Director General, labelling the decision as a ‘kick in the teeth for millions of over-75s’.

The letter signed by 60 Conservative MPs reads: "When millions of elderly Britons have been asked to stay at home during the global COVID-19 crisis, the timing of this announcement could not have been worse.

"Frankly, it is a kick in the teeth for millions of over-75s who have had a torrid time in lockdown. We welcome the BBC’s commitment to protecting the people who would find it most difficult to pay by continuing to cover the licences of those eligible for Pension Credit.

"However, this is not good enough and the cost of this proposed scheme is considerably less than you have been contributing already to free TV licences for the over 75s.

"The BBC’s annual income is £5 billion. Why, then, is this announcement necessary? We question the need for the BBC to allocate the enormous sum of £100 million on diversity, which with strong management could be achieved for minimal cost. Reducing the excessive salaries of your highest-paid stars and executives would also provide ample financial respite.

"The fact that you have prioritised pensioners to take the brunt of your cost-savings shows how detached you have become from your viewers.

"Now is not the time to scrap free TV licences for over-75s. Please do reconsider. We would welcome the chance to discuss this with you in person."