BORIS Johnson has vowed to save free TV licences for over-75s as a top election priority.
The PM has ordered officials to find a way to pay for the 745million-a-year perk, warning: Its crucial we do this.
Boris Johnson has vowed to save free TV licences for over-75s as a top election priority
He demanded urgent talks with BBC chiefs to thrash out a funding formula before the lifeline is axed next June.
It came as Mr Johnson also pledged to get his Brexit deal done by Christmas if he is returned to No10 with a clear majority on December 12.
More than 3.7 million pensioners face having to pay 154.50 to keep a telly after the Beeb decided to have the free licence scheme means-tested.
But Mr Johnson told The Sun on Sunday he was working hard to thrash out a solution so that no elderly viewers had to pay.
He said: This needs sorting out urgently and Ill be talking to the BBC about how to sort that out.
‘NEEDS SORTING’
Tories promised to protect free licences at the 2017 General Election but then handed responsibility for paying for it to the Beeb.
But the broadcaster has decided that only over-75s on pension credit will be eligible from next summer meaning that 80 per cent of those who get a free licence will have to cough up.
The BBC claims the cost of the perk will have a big impact on programme quality.
Critics argue that it should slash the eye-watering fees paid to pampered stars.
Senior Tory election planners want to include a free licence pledge in the partys manifesto.
They have warned that Labour will use the axed perk as a stick to beat them with in the run-up to the poll.
Tory MP Stephen McPartland, who has been campaigning on the issue, said: The Prime Minister has recognised the public mood on this issue and is right to act.
But its also crucial that the BBC recognises its duty to pay for free TV licences for all over-75s.
Labours Gordon Brown introduced free TV licences for the over-75s when Chancellor in 1999.
