Milngavie MSP in fresh call for free TV licence to remain for over-75s

Last June, the SNP Scottish government called for older people to have the licence fee scrapped amid an ageing population in Scotland. Power over the decision has shifted from the UK Government to the BBC – a move Mr Paterson has hit out as an “abdication of responsibility” by the Tory government.

Mr Paterson said: “With the on-going lockdown experiences in mind, we need to ensure older people are not completely cut off from the world. I am also renewing my call for the TV licence to be scrapped for financial purposes – many pensioners have a very low income and an extra charge for watching TV is unfair.

“This is a policy that is complete common sense and will have overwhelming support across the population.”