While BBC star personalities are handed exorbitant salaries, some pensioners in Northern Ireland over the age of 75 will struggle to find the money to pay for their TV licences.
Those receiving pension credit will be exempt and will continue to receive free licences.
The cost of a TV licence will increase from £154.50 to £157.50 in April.
Campaigners have said that pensioners will be dragged through the courts amid confusion over the TV licences. MPs have said it is impossible for the BBC to ascertain who is eligible to pay, with only months to go before the over 75s lose their free licences.
It’s estimated that around four million people aged 75 and over will have to pay the £157.50 every year for their licence.
Around 1.2 million pensioners who are eligible for Pension Credit do not receive it, with some unaware they are entitled to it and others not wanting to claim.
For many older people on their own, this is the only companion they have.
Why isn't there a bigger outcry about this ? For so many older people this is the main companionship they have – their TV set. Shame on everyone involved. #tvlicence https://t.co/FeJDi5znYa
— Eamonn Holmes (@EamonnHolmes) February 23, 2020