Edinburgh residents were left furious today after a decision to scrap free tv licenses for over 75s.
Until now, pensioners over the age of 75 have been able to have access to BBC services for nothing, however they will now have to pay an annual bill of £157.50 to watch the television.
After it was confirmed the initiative would be scrapped, both the public and other bodies showed their disgust at the move coming in the middle of a pandemic.
Elderly charity Age UK quickly branded the decision as "atrocious" and expressed that over half of over 75s said the TV was their main form of company, with 9/10 watching it everyday.
The charity also stated that many on the lowest forms of income will be unable to afford the cost of a yearly license.
The decision will affect all pensioners in the UK, however Edinburgh residents were quick to shame those responsible, with one user branding it as "absolutely disgusting'.
Another user expressed similar feelings and worries that pensioners rely on the television as their only source of company.
The feelings of Age UK were reciprocated by a host of people across the city who have highlighted the license as a potential lifeline for pensioners.
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Today, Michelle Supple, Age Scotland's Director of Charity Services, said:
“The timing of this announcement is atrocious and it will be one of the last things older people want to hear right now. Life has been hard enough for them in recent months, now the lifeline of their TV could be taken away. Around 300,000 over 75s in Scotland will shortly be faced with a new bill to contend with.
“This decision will no doubt have a significant impact on levels of loneliness as for half of all over 75s, their TV is their main form of company. It has been their window on the world and as this coronavirus crisis has unfolded, a hugely valuable source of information and news."
