The Daily Express delivered more than 32,000 letters to the BBC from readers

The TV legend made her appeal as the Daily Express delivered more than 32,000 letters to the BBC from readers outraged by the decision to axe the perk. Dame Esther, 78, described television as a “necessity, not a luxury” for many elderly people. She said: “The Government must step up to the plate and work out a solution with the BBC and remember that older people vote. 

Related articles
Old age and poverty are not crimes, says CAROLE MALONE
New leader must act to save vital TV benefit - EXPRESS COMMENT

“If the new PM is serious about helping older people, solving this issue would be a step forward. 

“This is another occasion when either the new prime minister or a Minister for Older People appointed by them, could speak up for the older generation.” 

Yesterday, BBC bosses ignored offers to meet the Daily Express and accept more than 32,000 coupons sent in by readers. Instead, security guards were sent to collect the bulging mail bags. 

But Dame Esther, a former BBC presenter who went on to found Childline and Silverline, warned that whoever becomes the new prime minister cannot ignore the Daily Express readers. 

“Look at the reaction – 32,000 letters is a significant number,” she said. “These people must be respected, their views listened to and, hopefully, acted upon.” 

“The Daily Express has always valued older people and has been an advocate for them. For many older viewers who can’t get out easily or live very lonely lives, the television is crucial. It is often their only companionship and, what’s more, this age group are the BBC’s most loyal viewers.” 

Currently 3.7 million elderly viewers receive a free TV licence, worth £154.50 a year. 

archerJournalist Elizabeth Archer with the letters (Image: Lee Madden)

But from 2020, this will fall to 1.5 million and be limited to those claiming pension credit – available to single pensioners on a weekly income of less than £167.25 and couples on less than £255.25. 

It is thought that 600,000 elderly people could still miss out because they are not signed up for the credit. 

The BBC announced it was axing free licences on Monday. It was immediately hit by an onslaught of criticism from the public, celebrities and politicians. 

Since then, almost half a million people have signed Age UK’s Switched Off petition and pensioners have also protested outside the BBC’s Salford studios, with more demonstrations around the country planned. 

Jan Shortt, general secretary of the National Pensioners Convention, described the move as “callous and cruel”. She said: “The amount of anger we are seeing at the BBC’s decision, not just from pensioners but younger people as well, is absolutely amazing. 

“This really is uniting the generations because we all know that if the government and the BBC collude to take the free TV licence away from today’s older people, it won’t be there for the pensioners of tomorrow.” 

The BBC took on the additional funding burden in 2015, after the government passed the cost on in an amended charter agreement. 

Related articles
BBC ‘knew axe for free TV

read more.....

NEXT Cost and time blowouts are a running joke on home reno shows. Here's how to ...