Backdated TV licence refunds for over 75's

Cornucopia

It's about a third of over-75s who now qualify for a free TV Licence (though I'm not sure if that is individuals or households).  

One of the issues for BBC/TVL with this and the similar notion of an age-related amnesty from enforcement is that they don't know how old individual householders are, nor the ages of the people who live with them.   Being a non-government organisation, they don't have any access to databases that might conceivably give them that info.

Torson

The number who now qualify if your figures are reasonably correct theoreticallly runs into millions. A probable high percentage of those have had standing orders and DD's for years.

I would suggest not many go to the website every year to renew. So you now have a scenario where you receive your licence through post or email. Nowhere on the online email or licence you receive every year is a gentle reminder to be aware of pension credit.concessions when you reach 74. Social media advertising does not have the same reach as personal reminders.

Not everyone in our generation is computer savvy. I am reading of pensioners overpaying for years with no apparent redress. 

An obvious simple no cost solution is a yearly reminder with your licence of potential concessions. There is a conflict of financial interest here as one statement put out by BBC/TVL in 2020 estimated a swallowed cost of about £250m, presumably yearly. I cannot see a pro-active motive for in your face reminders.

They do have access to databases on a case by case basis which give them that info. Their website states they will check for you if you're unsure of entitlement. I accept it's not in their remit to be plugged in automatically for age verification.

i have to wait for 10 days or so to get a reply, which will go up on here. Whether I am offered a refund or not, a Facebook action/protest group will be in the offing to spread awareness..

A website called orissaea.in/get-a-free-tv-licence-through-dwp/ states

3. Refunds for Previous Payments: TV Licensing states that individuals who were eligible but have continued to pay the licence fee may be able to claim a refund. (I couldn't find it).

iniltous

You were offered a refund for the current year , not the previous licence periods you consider should be refunded , so obviously refunds are available , so the statement stands , ‘may be able to claim a refund’  as you were already offered a refund , it’s the scope of the refund you have an issue with .
Do keep the thread alive with any further developments, be interesting if you are in any way successful 

Torson

I will, no worries there!