As the BBC has been on a quest for youth, it appears the corporation has annoyed its older viewers…
Three-quarters (76%) of pensioners who took part in a recent poll say the TV licence payment does not provide good value for money ahead of the April 1 price hike, according to a survey conducted by Broadband Genie.
This Spring the government will increase the TV licence fee by 6.7% — in line with inflation — bringing the cost per year to £169.50 but, even before the price is increased, a survey of the UK’s older population found that 76% feel it isn’t worth the cost. But while most will have no choice but to incur the extra cost, over 75s receiving pension credit are eligible for a free TV licence. However, three-fifths (61%) of those aged 75 and over are not aware of this.
Further research from Broadband Genie revealed that a third (33%) of people aged 65 and above have a Netflix account. Meanwhile, 36% are signed up to Amazon Prime and one in seven (15%) watch Disney+.
Alex Tofts, broadband expert at Broadband Genie:
“The controversial TV licence fee hike has led many to question its value, especially given the rise of streaming services. With abundant options such as Netflix, which millions of pensioners already subscribe to, many Brits can access shows and movies easily without the licence fee. This makes justifying the mandatory charge challenging when far cheaper streaming services offer what many see as superior entertainment value and convenience. What we are now seeing is growing fatigue with people paying to watch terrestrial TV, instead they are relying solely on streaming platforms for their TV and movie viewing.
“But while streaming services do offer better value for money in comparison, there are ways for pensioners to keep costs down.”
Advice to cut costs from Alex Tofts includes if you’re juggling multiple subscriptions, streamlining by assessing if one service meets all your needs. Trimming unnecessary subscriptions can slash your monthly expenses.
Additionally, if you’re only subscribing to watch something specific, you might consider binge-watching the series and toggling between streaming platforms. Subscribe when you’re using one and cancel when you’re done watching.
In multi-person households, explore sharing subscriptions offered by many services. Splitting the cost among several users can lighten the financial load. You may also want to consider opting for ad-supported versions of streaming platforms for cheaper rates. While ads may be a minor annoyance, it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy your favourite content.
