AN East Lancashire MP has accused Government ministers of betraying pensioners over increases in the cost of television licences.
Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans has written to Heritage Secretary Chris Smith condemning the increase to £97.50 from April 1.
The MP described the increase as "another tax on pensioners" and called on the minister to "alleviate the burden" without delay.
I am appalled. Many pensioners have trouble affording the existing £92 fee and it is about time that the Heritage Secretary took action to alleviate the burden on pensioners by allowing them to pay a £5 fee like those in sheltered accommodation," he said.
"Before the election many Labour MPs signed a Commons motion calling for concessionary licence fees for pensioners, but now that they are in Government they remain silent," he added.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article