Perthshire MP John Nicolson has renewed calls for the UK Government to cover the cost of TV licences for over-75s.
The BBC announced earlier this month that, from August 1, over-75s throughout the UK who are not in receipt of pension credit will no longer be eligible for the free TV licence.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson called it the “wrong decision” but the government has come under fire, with opponents saying it should fund free licenses for over 75s
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The charity Independent Age estimates that more than 2000 pensioner households in Mr Nicolson’s Ochil and South Perthshire constituency will be affected by the change.
The PA previously reported that 12,000 pensioners across the region could be affected.
Mr Nicolson, the SNP’s shadow digital, culture and media secretary, said TV licences for over 75s should “not be the job of the BBC,” but should be a social provision administered by the government.
He added: “The Conservative Government knew the BBC couldn’t afford it. And now Tory ministers feign shock that it has led to job cuts and will see old people being pursued for non-payment.
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“Television is a vital lifeline for the elderly. Many older people will depend heavily on TV licences as their only means of receiving crucial health updates on the coronavirus and for information on government measures being brought forward. Some will ultimately have to choose between food and their only companion this winter – their TV.
“The Tories promised in their manifesto that they’d maintain free TV licences for the thousands of elderly people this will affect. They must follow through on that promise – not just because it’s the right thing to do by our pensioners – but for the good of public health in the midst of a crisis.”
