Labour candidate says 'no' to scrapping free TV licences for over 75s

A Labour candidate has said 'no' to the scrapping of free TV licences for over 75s.

Jerry Hague, Labour candidate for Sherwood, said it is clear some areas want the Government to act and reverse the decision.

He said a large number of people in Calverton and Edwinstowe have signed a petition to put pressure on the Conservative Government.

"Everywhere I have been in Sherwood, the public's view has been that the TV licences issue is a symbol of how the Government treats the elderly and the communities in the villages of Sherwood," said Mr Hague.

"I will keep standing up for the elderly in Sherwood who have received no support on this issue."

Mr Hague has been spreading the word through weeks of campaigning in his constituency, calling it a "cruel decision" on behalf of the Government to end free TV licenses for over 75s unless on pension credit.

He has spoken with members of the public in Calverton and Edwinstowe who have been struck by the support from across all ages and political leanings.

Mr Hague said: "Also, a recent report has shown that the poorest pensioners have already missed out on £7 billion of pension credit since the last election in 2017."

The Labour candidate will continue his campaign and said completed petitions will be sent to Number Ten to show the extent of public opinion in Sherwood.

"Some pensioners have even told me that they will refuse to pay any licence fee and will wait for the government to try and put them in prison, which is something I hope this Government would not do."

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