North Ayrshire’s Older People’s Champion has joined campaigners outside BBC Scotland’s HQ in protest against the removal of the free TV licences for over 75s.
Stevenston Councillor Jimmy Miller has been campaigning against the removal of the free TV licence since the plan was first mooted by the BBC.
He tabled a motion at North Ayrshire Council opposing the plan which was unanimously supported by every elected member on the council.
The TV licence row has been triggered by the Conservative Government handing over the financial responsibility for the free TV licence to the BBC.
Councillor Miller has called on both to rethink their position to ensure older people continue to benefit from the policy first introduced by the last Labour Government.
Speaking after the protest Councillor Miller said: “I will take every opportunity available to apply pressure on the BBC and the Tory Government to overturn this shocking decision.
“Removing the free TV licence from over 3million pensioners will only increase social isolation and have negative effects on their wellbeing.
“As North Ayrshire’s Older Peoples Champion I am here to stand up for older people’s needs. I was proud to stand alongside the Scottish Pensioners Forum and trade unions to defend the free TV licence and I will continue to do so.”
