15,823 people in South Lanarkshire will be hit by the Tory government’s decision to scrap the free TV licence for over-75s, new figures have revealed.

It is estimated that 6.4% of over-75s people in South Lanarkshire will be forced to pay an extra £154.50 in household bills when the free TV licence policy for over-75s is axed.

The SNP has renewed calls on the UK government to ensure the free TV licence is fully funded, and can continue to benefit households and older people across Scotland and the UK. 

Local MSP Christina McKelvie wrote to the UK Government in her role as Minister for Older People and Equalities to urge them to backtrack on this damaging cash grab.

Commenting, Christina said:

“A decade of damaging Tory government cuts has left older people in Scotland worse off – and it’s concerning to see that the decision to axe the free TV licence will hit 15,823 over-75s in South Lanarkshire.

"This is yet another broken Tory manifesto commitment which will take money out of the pockets of older people.

"It is time this Tory government finally made the welfare of our older population a priority – instead of making things even worse by taking away key benefits.

"The Tories should urgently stop this swindle and ensure that the TV license for over-75s is be properly funded and protected. I am calling on all Tory candidates for Prime Minister to commit to reversing this heartless cash grab.”