Licence challenge

A startling example of political “smoke and mirrors” has come from a Downing Street spokesman over BBC staffing costs and the controversy over TV licenses for the over75s (Scotsman, 3 July).

The link between the cost of pay increases for various presenters and the cost of maintaining the free licence for the elderly is at best tenuous. Even if the BBC was to introduce a “law of the maximum”, whereby no individual was paid any more, say, than £250,000, the savings would come nowhere near the £3/4 billion cost of the licence concession. The Westminster government is clearly trying again to pass the buck entirely to the broadcaster when the issue is much clearer – the cost should be met entirely from the Treasury.

Imagine what would happen if the Government suddenly announced that state pensions for over-75s were to be reduced by just over £3 per week. There would be an outcry, but this is what is happening, in effect, by taking away the free license whose current level is just over £150.

By a less than happy coincidence the letters advising the withdrawal are coming out just as the Conservative leadership contenders are about to take part in a hustings in Perth on Friday evening. Up to now both Jeremy Hunt and Boris Johnson have been happy to make funding commitments

(largely uncosted) on matters from defence to social care provision to aid for industry and farming after Brexit.

The licence issue has an immediacy that should test their resolve and mettle as well as being of direct interest to many Conservatives who have a vote in the contest. Both men can do themselves, their party and pensioners throughout the country a favour by makingasimplestatement.itisthat when they become Prime Minister later this month they will takebackcontrol,touseatimehonouredphrase,andfundthe licence concession directly from central government.

BOB TAYLOR Shiel Court, Glenrothes

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