Daniel Zeichner MP has reacted with anger as the announcement was made that thousands of Cambridge pensioners will have their free TV licences taken away.

Over 4000 Cambridge pensioners will be hit by the plan for all over 75s who do not receive Pension Credit, to pay the full whack for their TV licenses.

This is because the Government transferred responsibility for funding the free TV  licences, introduced by the Labour Government, from themselves onto the BBC.

Mr Zeichner, who earlier this year met a group of pensioners who explained to him how often the TV is a source of company and their main focus day to day, says the government should think again.

Daniel Zeichner MP said: “The government have broken a manifesto commitment to provide free TV licences for all older people, but they have broken many people’s hearts as well. You cannot means-test for loneliness.

“There is still time for a U turn by the government. They could properly fund the BBC so they can go on providing the free licences and make a huge difference to housebound and isolated nans, granddads and elderly parents who rely on their TV for company.”