Ewing slates Highland TV licence "swindle"
With "more than 13,000" Highlanders set to lose their free TV licence, the SNP has renewed its calls on Westminster to act.
Figures released this week by the nationalists maintain that 13,150 are liable to lose out once the free licence system is scrapped for the over-75 age group.
"It is estimated that 60% of over-75s people in the Highland area will be forced to pay an extra £154.50 in household bills when the free TV licence policy for over-75s is axed," an SNP statement said today (Wednesday, June 19).
The party is now demanding that the UK government ensures that the free licence continues to be fully funded to benefit households and elderly people across Scotland and the UK.
Commenting, Inverness and Nairn MSP, Fergus Ewing, said: “We have seen a decade of Tory government cuts that are damaging and left older people in Scotland worse off.
"It is concerning to see the UK Government’s further decision to axe the free TV licence which will affect 13,150 over 75’s in the Highlands.
“For many over 75, the telly is their sole companion.
"Many will have lost their husband or wife and live alone, with the TV being a main source of entertainment.
“Before punishing senior citizens, surely the BBC should first get their own financial house in order? They admit to 109 BBC bosses with salaries of 150,000 pounds or above - more than the Prime Minister or our First Minister.
“It is morally wrong that the BBC should punish older senior citizens, whilst paying their own bosses telephone number salaries, and likewise pamper the big names of the entertainment industry.
“Ultimately it is the responsibility of the UK Government to impose financial common sense on BBC bosses.
"But they haven’t even tried and have broken yet another Tory manifesto commitment which will take money out of the pockets of older people.
"The Tories should urgently stop this swindle and ensure that the TV license for over-75s is be properly funded and protected.”