BBC representatives met and held constructive talks with Age UK in relation to TV licences for over-75s.

This is part of ongoing engagement with charities, support groups and community organisations, following the changes that came in to effect in August.

A BBC spokesperson said: “We were pleased to meet with Age UK to share feedback and concerns raised by older people. We recognise this is a tough time and want to do all we can to make the scheme easy to use and safe.

“No one needs to leave home to apply for a free or paid TV licence. You can verify your pension credit status with us over the phone or online. And you can pay in weekly, fortnightly, monthly or annual instalments in the same way.

“Thank you to those who have paid so far - 1.6 million households - and to around 700,000 households who have claimed a free TV licence. We want to keep listening and responding to feedback from Age UK, and others too.”

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