Boris Johnson said the Corporation had made the “wrong decision” which was also slammed as a kick in the teeth for nearly four million older viewers. The Prime Minister insisted the broadcaster should continue to fund the benefit.
Furious campaigners warned struggling over-75s will be forced to cut back on food and heating to cover the £157.50 bill.
They attacked the BBC for “fleecing” senior citizens instead of cutting the lavish salaries of its top stars.
The corporation announced it will impose the annual fee on most over-75s from August 1.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told the Daily Express that the BBC has “let down” the public and warned the decision would be taken into account when the Government looks at whether to keep the TV licence in the future.
He said: “I feel let down that the BBC haven’t funded this. I’m sure people up and down the country will feel let down that they haven’t funded it.”
Downing Street said the PM believes it is the “wrong decision” and believes the free licence “should be funded by the BBC”.
The Tory chair of Parliament’s culture committee Julian Knight criticised the BBC over the decision, describing it as a “body blow” to millions of British pensioners.
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