LOCAL MP Tracy Brabin is calling on the Government to “do the right thing” and not scrap free TV licences for over 75s.

Ms Brabin, Labour MP for Batley & Spen, was one of numerous MPs to call on the Government to keep to its manifesto promise and support elderly people.

She said: “If the government fails to keep its manifesto promise it will be a devastating blow to thousands of households in my constituency.

“Television is important to older people who may be isolated and lonely or have limited mobility, many of whom are already struggling to pay the bills.

“And now we could have a situation where people are forced to make an impossible choice – the companionship their TV gives or heating their house. It’s cruel and it’s deeply unfair.”

As part of the last BBC Charter, the Government devolved responsibility for the free TV licence policy, and the cost, to the BBC.

The BBC are currently consulting on a number of options for the concession, including scrapping it altogether, raising the eligible age to 80 and means testing it, for example by linking it to pension credit.

A TV licence for a colour television costs £154.50, or £52 for a black and white TV.