The BBC has been accused of charging extra for TV licences tax on cost plans supposed to unfold the fee evenly all year long.

Pensioners – already stung by the price of residing disaster – have voiced concern over being charged extra for his or her annual licence. Those with a TV need to pay £159 for an annual licence and will pay in full, quarterly or by direct debit every month.

But these selecting, say, the month-to-month possibility find yourself paying out £79.50 additional – half the price of an annual licence – over the primary 12 months.

Dennis Reed, director of Silver Voices, representing senior residents, mentioned: “The arrogant and complacent bosses of the BBC have done nothing to help vulnerable customers through the cost-of-living crisis, despite pleas special arrangements should be introduced and prosecutions for TV licence non-payment should be suspended. Unlike other utilities, the BBC refuses to consider a social tariff for vulnerable customers.”

Amid deepening hardship, some viwers scared of a knock on the door by bailiffs have determined to unfold the fee and pay month-to-month or quarterly, as an alternative of upfront.

Daily Express reader Alan Lloyd, 81, who highlighted the scandal, mentioned: “I telephoned and was informed I would be paying six monthly amounts followed by a further six at a lesser rate.

“A quick mental addition made me think this would cost considerably more than £159, so I asked the adviser to calculate the figure I would be paying over the year.

“Such was the answer, I queried the amount, which was confirmed. The extra was excessive in my view, so I opted for quarterly.

“It seems the BBC are taking advantage, particularly of pensioners like me who previously did not have to pay.” According to TV Licensing, the physique contracted to manage money assortment and enforcement, paying month-to-month spreads the fee in full with funds of £26.50 over six months.

Thereafter, it reverts to £13.25 a month. Over the primary 12 months of the plan £238.50 is paid.

TV Licensing mentioned: “Payment schemes are set by the Government and laid out in legislation.

“The monthly direct debit scheme, in which new joiners pay for their licence over six months, then pay towards their next licence over 12 months, is one of several options available to spread the cost. We also offer the Simple Payment Plan, specially designed for customers in financial difficulty, which enables them to spread the cost of a licence evenly.

“We work hard to help people, particularly those in need of extra support.

“We have a duty to collect the licence fee from anyone who requires a licence, and we do our utmost to support customers while treating everyone fairly.”

The newest BBC licence row comes amid persevering with fury on the hounding of over-75s, who had been as soon as promised free licences. They declare “threatening” letters are repeatedly despatched to these rebelling in opposition to the price.

One aged insurgent has been bombarded by 29 enforcement letters, in keeping with Silver Voices.

It is claimed tons of of hundreds of older individuals have resisted paying the annual cost, which was free till the concession was axed in August 2020, prompting a vocal backlash.

Cricket legend Lord Botham, 67, has vowed to make use of his voice within the House of Lords to proceed to spotlight the scandal.