Ben Fogle, 45, took to Instagram to announce he will be donating his recent salary from Animal Park to Age UK. The presenter’s charitable decision comes after the BBC revealed only those on Pension Credit will be eligible for a free TV licence from June next year due to increasing costs. It was announced the BBC will means test the licence, meaning around 1.5 million people who claim pensions credit will be exempt from the charges. Ben, who has worked with the BBC throughout his career, described the company as “one of the greatest institutions in the world” in his post.
However, the star also admitted he was “disappointed” about its move to scrap free licenses for over 75s.
He wrote in view of his 168,000 followers: “I LOVE the BBC. I think it is one of the greatest institutions in the world.
“It is the envy of most nations, it makes amazing content and I’d argue it is still value for money.
“I also owe my whole career to the BBC. They gave me my first break and they (you) employed me for many years but I am disappointed in the recent announcement on the abolition of free licences to the over 75s.
“I don’t entirely blame the BBC. I think the government forced their hand.”
The broadcaster went on to share his plans to
