This week BBC executives met Silver Voices director Dennis Reed to discuss the changes to the over-75s TV licence.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We are happy to engage and work constructively with anyone on over 75s licences.

“This situation was not down to the BBC, but a solution had to be found and a tough decision had to be taken.

“We have done all we can - including the biggest consultation in BBC history - to make this process as fair and straightforward as possible and we continue to implement these changes with the greatest care.”

Latest figures show more than 2.3 million over 75s licences have been applied for since August. Including over 700,000 people who have applied for a free TV licence, under the new policy

TV Licensing has now written to every household that previously held a free over 75s licence, setting out the simple, Covid-secure steps needed to complete the process.

We have always said we would give people plenty of time to apply and payment plans allow instalments from just £3 a week.

For more information on licences for the over-75s visit: www.tvl.co.uk/age