Coronavirus Covid-19 Test Kits – Collections From 34,000 ‘Priority’ Post Boxes – SOP & SSoW Health & Safety Compliance
As the Coronavirus/Covid-19 Test Kit collection operation moves on and up to 34,000 priority post boxes, the issue of maintaining compliance with the agreed high safety standards becomes crucial.
This matter has been raised by the CWU Health, Safety and Environment department and been subject to discussions at both the weekly RM/CWU National Joint Operations Skype meetings and on the RM/CWU National Joint Strategic Covid-19 Testing Kits Skype meetings.
Our concerns reflected the issues raised by a number of our Area Health and Safety Reps across the country who have reiterated concerns previously expressed that in some locations collection drivers, including collection on delivery staff were leaving offices without the full range of necessary specified kit and equipment in order to complete the Test-Kit collections from post boxes in compliance with the Standard Operating Procedure and Safe System of Work. It was agreed by Royal Mail and CWU/HQ that we need to work collectively to improve on this and avoid it occurring. Area Health and Safety Reps (ASRs) and Workplace Health and Safety Reps (WSRs) are asked (by both Royal Mail and CWU) to keep a close eye on this and carry out regular safety spot-checks, reporting any non-compliance to operational management and SHE Advisors/Business Partners.
Royal Mail and CWU/HQ have agreed that we must jointly ensure that all collection drivers, including collections on delivery, have the list of items necessary with them at all times when collecting from any post-box – see attached “Pre-CollectionList” Poster.
The “Collect – Before You Leave The Office” Poster – lists the 6 items required before leaving the Unit – these are:
Self-Seal Polythene Bags
Green Mail Sacks
PDA and Spare Battery
Hand Sanitiser
Gloves
Waste Bag
This poster has been issued to all offices via a ‘SharePoint’ link, supported by WTLL briefing material. The local “Deployment Leads” have been tasked to follow up with each collection and delivery office to provide concurrence to the following question “Have the Pre-Collection List Posters been printed and displayed in my site?”. Unit Managers have confirmed that this is the case.
ASRs and WSRs are requested to ensure the poster is on display and brought to the attention of collections staff.
Collections staff should then follow the 3 key principles:-
SPOT IT: UN3373 packaging and T24 label
BAG IT: SSOW must be followed (bag all kits)
MOVE IT: Keep items separate from other streams and hand it over to a designated contact
Each DOM is asked to complete and sign-off the below concurrence questions to ensure they understand what is required to deliver on the Standard Operating Procedure and Safe Systems Of Work. You will see the question related to “Pre Collection list posters have been printed and displayed in my site” listed which aligns to the safety standard Royal Mail has set out. Would ASRs and WSRs spot-check compliance with this requirement.I know who my ops project lead is and have their contact informationMy site has a supply of CV19 labels and York cards (Contact Addressograph duty at Plant for stock)My site has a supply of green bags to relay the test kits to the plant (1-2 required daily and are sourced from Plant)My site has a supply of polythene bags and I know how to order further stockAll collection drivers know to scan test kits as ‘Accepted at CSP’ before dispatch to Mail CentreAll collections drivers in my site have been trained and understand what they need to do (SSOW etc)All collections drivers in my postcode sectors have a copy of the handout – Test Kit Handout: Collection and Delivery ColleaguesPre Collection list posters have been printed and displayed in my siteAll collection drivers know that green bags must be used for test kits once they have been identifiedAll collection drivers know that green bags must be kept separate from other mail streamsAll collection drivers have been briefed on the handover process at the Mail CentreAll my collection roles in my area are aware of the location of their Priority BoxesI am aware that all items will be collected Mon – Sat in accordance to current plate timesI know that my Priority Boxes will be labelledI have resource in place to ensure collection from Priority Boxes is in place Mon – SatAll of my collectors know that all Priority Boxes will still receive a Collected scan as usual
See Attachments for your attention and assistance:
Pre-Collection List Poster “Have You Got What You Need”
COVID-19 Test Kit Mailings Delivery and Collections (Royal Mail Operations SSOW)
Covid-19 Test Kits – Priority Post Box Collections – Managers’ Brief
Covid-19 Collection From Postbox Operations Standard Special Procedure
Collecting Test Kits Process
SOP A3.1 Collecting From Postboxes
RM/CWU – Covid-19 Priority Post Box Test Kit Collection Frequently Asked Questions
Any non-compliant offices or management queries can be reported directly to:- Francis Williams Royal Mail Operations Head of Commercial, Property & Central Functions Programmes. Email:- francis.williams@royalmail.com
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
New Face Covering/Face Mask Rules for Shops, Supermarkets including Post Offices, Royal Mail Group Customer Service Points (CSPs) – Provision and Wearing of Face Masks by Royal Mail Group (RM, PFWW & RMSS) Staff
Further to LTB 368/20 this is an update on the changes to the latest government guidance and the ‘mandatory’ face coverings/face masks rules.
As Branches and Representatives will know, face masks in shops became mandatory in Scotland from 10 July.
Wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England is to become mandatory from 24 July.
The wearing of face coverings is already mandatory on all public transport. Those who fail to comply with the new rules will face a £60 fine in Scotland and a fine of up to £100 in England.
Shoppers in Wales and Northern Ireland are not currently required to wear masks, although both nations have said this policy will be kept under review.
The impact of this is that from Friday 10 July all Royal Mail and Parcelforce and RMSS employees in Scotland delivering to or collecting from retail premises e.g., shops, supermarkets and Post Offices must wear a face covering (as reported in LTB 368/20). The same will apply in England from 24 July.
Customer Service Points/Callers Offices are classified as shops for the purposes of this guidance and therefore all customers using these facilities have needed to wear a face covering/mask from the 10 July Scotland and from 24 July will need to wear a face covering/mask in England.
It is not mandatory for Royal Mail Group employees who work in CSPs to wear a face covering/mask. However, face masks remain available through line managers for anyone who chooses to wear one. A programme of installing ‘social distancing’ protective screens in Customer Service Points (CSPs)/Callers Offices has been underway as reported inLTBs 373/20, 324/20 and 334/20.
Following a meeting this week with Royal Mail Group Assets and Procurement, the Health, Safety & Environment department has been assured that Royal Mail Group has ample supplies of masks. Six million masks have been distributed to offices across the UK and five million are currently held in central stock at Swindon. Six million more masks are on order from suppliers to replenish stocks. If an office has less than 3 weeks supply an ‘App’ automatically re-orders supplies of Coronavirus/Covid-19 PPE supplies (masks, sanitiser gel, wipes and gloves).
Posters have been made available to display the face coverings/masks requirements in CSPs (copies attached).
A copy of the Communication issued by the Royal Mail Group Safety, Health and Environment team regarding the above is attached.
The law provides discretion to people who have a health condition, a disability and other groups (see attached list).
Note: Further to LTB 368/20 – one additional face coverings/face masks rule change has been announced by the Welsh government this week, who will introduce a ‘mandatory’ requirement for face coverings/face masks on public transport (buses, trains and taxis) from 27 July.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Attachments:
RMG SHE Communication – Face Coverings In Shops In England
Latest Royal Mail Group Coronavirus Covid-19 Guidance/Q&A Document (Version 48)
I attach for your information Version 48 of the Royal Mail Group Coronavirus Covid-19 Guidance – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers document, issued by the business on Friday 10 July 2020.
The Health, Safety & Environment Department continues in dialogue with the Royal Mail Group Safety Health & Environment Team to raise additions and amendments to the Q&A document.
Any enquiries to this LTB should be directed to Dave Joyce National Health, Safety & Environment Officer.
Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash – Use of Walkways – Pedestrian and Vehicle Segregation in Yards
Following a very serious ‘near-miss’ incident, which could have ended in a fatality, a Safety Flash has been issued by the Royal Mail Group Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Team (copy attached). The serious near-miss involved an employee not using the designated walkway and instead, taking a short cut and walking behind a reversing vehicle. The individual received a minor shoulder injury but quite easily could have been crushed to death!
Would all CWU Area Health and Safety Reps please note and communicate the content of the Safety Flash, supporting the key message, and reminding members of the importance of looking after their own safety when in yards where there is vehicle traffic which present hazards and risks.
By law, pedestrians or vehicles must be able to use a traffic route without causing danger to the health or safety of people. However, no matter how well-designed and maintained a site is with suitable segregation of vehicles and people through separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic routes, in order to make workplace transport accidents less likely – it is only effective if the workforce complies with the rules and doesn’t ignore designated pedestrian routes, thoughtlessly placing themselves in mortal danger.
Health and Safety Executive workplace transport safety guidance states that where complete segregation is not possible, there is a need to have clearly marked pedestrian and vehicle traffic routes, using measures such as barriers and signs. There should be separate entrances and exits for vehicles and pedestrians, and vision panels should be installed on doors that open onto vehicle traffic routes. Where pedestrian and vehicle traffic routes cross, they should be clearly marked using measures such as dropped kerbs, barriers, deterrent paving etc., to help direct pedestrians to the appropriate crossing points.
Key Learning Point Set Out In The Safety Flash is:
All employees and yard users MUST adhere to yard rules and ensure that designated walkways are used at all times when walking in the yard.
Key Managers’ Activities To Be Completed:
All Unit Managers (PICs) are to:
Review their yard rules to ensure the key point of the use of walkways is clear and will be clearly understood by all employees.
Ensure yard rules have be cascaded to all employees (and agency staff) and are clearly displayed in key locations.
Undertake Safety Management Audit Tours (SMATs) checking compliance to SHE standards, yard safety controls and adherence to yard rules.
A copy of RMG SHE Safety Flash “FY20 012 – Use of Walkways in Yards” is attached.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Royal Mail Group (SHE) Safety Flash – Parcelforce Vehicles Safe Access and Egress
Following a number of serious accidents in recent weeks, including sprains, strains, fractured ankles, broken bones and torn ligaments, a Safety Flash has been issued by the Royal Mail Group Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Team (copy attached). Parcelforce have seen a significant increase in the frequency of these accidents
Would all CWU Area Health and Safety Reps please note and communicate the content of the Safety Flash to Parcelforce Worldwide collections and deliveries drivers and HGV Network Trunking Drivers, supporting the key message and reminding drivers of the importance of safely getting in and out of larger vans and HGVs – a message that is in fact valid in Royal Mail as well as Parcelforce. Additionally, please check compliance when undertaking Safety Inspections
Accident investigations have found that drivers are not using the ‘3 points of contact’ method when getting into or out of their vehicles.
Key Learning Points set out in the Safety Flash are:
Use the handles provided and maintain 3 points of contact.
Use steps or T-Bars where fitted and make sure you have good grip and a firm foothold.
Never jump from the back of the vehicle.
Do not carry or hold any object during access and egress of vehicle.
Always wear your safety footwear (boots with ankle support are recommended) and make sure the tread is in good condition.
Key Managers’ Activities to be completed:· Managers to cascade the SHE Flash to all drivers.· Managers to ensure all drivers see and read the ‘Vehicle Access and Egress’ Safe System of Work.· Managers to check drivers accessing and egressing vehicles when inside the depot/yard and record these checks through the SMAT (Safety Management And Training) process.A copy of RMG SHE Safety Flash “FY20 011-Vehicle Access/Egress” is attached.
Yours sincerely
Dave Joyce National Health, Safety & Environment Officer
Disability Awareness Facebook Event – Thursday 16th July 2020
Branches may be aware that Sunday 12th July was Disability Awareness Day and Covid-19 has impacted across various sectors with members who have underlying health conditions taking the brunt. With this in mind, we are delighted to confirm that we are holding the latest in our long line of online events, which has been confirmed for this Thursday evening at 6.30pm.
We will be joined by the Labour Party’s Shadow Minister for Disabled People – Vicky Foxcroft MP; Mark Anthony Bastiani – NEC Disability Lead; Tracey Fussey,- CWU NEC T&FS and Carl Maden – Acting Assistant Secretary Postal.
Come and join us for what promises to be an engaging discussion. The event will be aired live on the CWU’s Equality & Education Facebook page. It will also be shown on the CWU YouTube Channel.
Some event artwork is attached and we would be grateful if you could circulate this on your social media platforms.
TV licences: BBC to go ahead with over-75s licence fee changes.
9th July 2020
GETTY IMAGES
The BBC is to go ahead with a plan to end free TV licences for most over-75s, after a two-month delay because of the coronavirus pandemic.
That means more than three million households will be asked to start paying the £157.50 fee from 1 August.
Only those who receive the Pension Credit benefit will be exempt.
The BBC said the new scheme is “the fairest decision”, but the government said it was “the wrong decision” and Age UK called it “a kick in the teeth”.
Why has this decision been taken?
The controversial change was originally due to be made on 1 June, and the BBC said the delay had cost £35m a month.
The cost of continuing to provide free licences to all over-75s could have reached £1bn a year over time with an ageing population, according to the corporation.
BBC Chairman Sir David Clementi said the decision had “not been easy”, but the broadcaster is under “under severe financial pressure” and a further delay would have had an impact on programmes.
Ricky Tomlinson led a protest outside the BBC’s n Salford last June
The BBC has previously warned that making no changes would have led to “unprecedented closures” of services.
It has also previously said it must make an extra £125m savings this year as a result of the pandemic, including the cost of delaying the over-75s changes.
Free TV licences for the over-75s have been provided by the government since 2000, but responsibility for the provision was passed to the BBC as part of its last licence fee settlement.
What has the reaction been?
The Age UK charity said it was “bitterly disappointed”, describing the move as “a kick in the teeth for millions of over-75s who have had a torrid time during this crisis”.
More than 630,000 people signed an Age UK petition when the BBC first announced the plan in 2019. The charity has now urged the BBC and the government to “urgently sit down and agree on a solution to keep TV licences free”.
Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams said many older people would either have to give up their TV, which is “more of a lifeline than ever”, or other essential purchases.
“Everyone needs to understand that under the BBC’s scheme many hundreds of thousands of the poorest pensioners will be facing a bill they will simply be unable to afford to pay,” she said.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s spokesman said the BBC had made the “wrong decision”, and the government believes the licence fees in question “should be funded by the BBC”.
Culture minister Matt Warman said the move was “deeply frustrating”.
But Labour’s shadow culture secretary Jo Stevens said: “The refusal of the government to fund this vital service after promising to do so is nothing short of betrayal.
“Many over-75s have spent months at home with TV providing an invaluable source of company during the pandemic. For the government to blame the BBC who are having to contend with huge cuts is simply passing the buck.”
Julian Knight MP, Conservative chairman of the House of Commons culture select committee, called the situation “a mess” and said the new regime would be “a body blow to millions of British pensioners”.
Broadcaster and Labour peer Dame Joan Bakewell said some older people could and should pay – but there is a “suffering middle” who will struggle.
“The rich old have lots of savings and investments, and they can well afford it,” she told BBC Radio 5 Live.
But she added: “Not enough will get it free. There are layers of people above the earning [level] that gets you the benefit who also should be allowed to have a free licence fee… It’s the suffering middle who perhaps find life expensive but are not reduced to needing state benefits.”
She added that she had hoped incoming director general Tim Davie could have brought “some original thinking” to find a better solution.
How will the new system work?
The BBC said there would be a “Covid-safe” payment system, meaning people can apply online, and there will be a dedicated phone line and support staff.
“No-one needs to take any immediate action, or leave their home, to claim for a free TV licence or pay for one,” a statement said.
TV Licensing will write to all licence holders aged over 75 with clear guidance about how to pay, it said.
Almost 1.6 million people claim Pension Credit, according to the latest government figures. Of those, 450,000 have already applied for a free licence.
This shoddy decision to end free TV licences for most over-75s will haunt the BBC’s fat cat bosses.
So the deed is done. But will the BBC pay a price for going ahead with its plan to end free TV licences for most over-75s after a two-month stay of execution because of the Covid-19 pandemic?
The Corporation’s panjandrums evidently think they can get away with it.
They will reason that, although more than three million households will have to start paying the £157.50 annual licence fee from August 1, some 1.6million of the very poorest pensioners claiming Pension Credit won’t have to fork out.
But, of course, many of the three million households forced to cough up are far from rich.
The free TV licence for over-75s will be means-tested from August 1, meaning more than three million households will be asked to start paying the £157.50 fee
Compared with the BBC’s overpaid stars and lavishly remunerated senior executives, a lot of these elderly pensioners are poor. Paying the licence fee will hurt.
That is why Age UK, which inspired more than 630,000 people to sign a petition against the proposals when they were first announced last year, described the announcement as ‘a kick in the teeth for millions of over-75s who have had a torrid time during this crisis’.
Was there another way? You bet there was. Although it is forever boasting about trimming its sails, the Beeb is a vast, extravagant monster that has grown crazily over the past three decades, spawning new television channels and radio stations and a huge website. Its annual income is a massive £5billion.
Making three million pensioner households pay the licence fee should allow it to bank about a tenth of this amount. If Auntie had really cared about these people, this money could have been found through a serious process of economising.
The government has provided free TV licences for the over-75s since 2000, but responsibility for the provision now rests with the BBC.
Just cutting the salaries of hundreds of stars and senior managers earning more than £150,000 by 10 per cent would, by my rough calculations, yield £5million a year. It would be a symbolic step, which showed that despite appearances the ethos of public service broadcasting is still alive.
Much bigger sums could be found by closing down BBC4 (£44million) and Radio 6 Music (£12million). Shaving BBC1’s budget by just 10 per cent would yield £110million, and slimming down BBC2 by the same proportion nearly £40million. Auntie could reverse its idiotic decision to spend £100million on ‘diversity’ over the next three years.
In no time at all, an organisation which chose to put poorer pensioners before its immediate financial needs could save hundreds of millions of pounds if it really set its mind to it. But no such root-and-branch operation has taken place. Let the poor pensioners pay.
I accept that in 2015 the then chancellor, George Osborne, drove a hard bargain when he got the director-general, Tony Hall, to agree that the Corporation would take responsibility for the £745million annual cost of providing free TV licences for those aged 75 or over.
Lord Hall, who is just about to step down, caved in too easily. One of his predecessors, Mark Thompson, has claimed that he had begun writing a resignation letter when Osborne tried to impose similar costs on the BBC five years earlier.
The fact remains that the Beeb agreed to these terms, and is now acting in a ruthless and self-serving manner. If it did not know that withdrawing free licences will be painful for many pensioners, it wouldn’t have suspended the measure during the pandemic.
In March, Lord Hall agreed in front of a Commons committee that people in their 80s and 90s could be hauled through the courts for not paying their TV licences after the free concession is withdrawn. How will our public service broadcaster with its hundreds of ‘fat cat’ salaries look then?
BBC bosses assume they have won this battle. I believe that, on the contrary, they have exposed themselves to the charge of meanness and selfishness, and that this shoddy decision may come back to haunt them.
BBC’s free TV license blow to pensioners: Over-75s will have to pay £157 fee from next month.
BY PAUL REVOIR MEDIA EDITOR FOR THE DAILY MAIL
The BBC was yesterday accused of kicking pensioners in the teeth by axing free TV licences for millions of over-75s.
The Corporation announced it will bring in its controversial new scheme in three weeks’ time, on August 1.
More than three million households – those not claiming Pension Credit – will be hit with the £157.50 fee.
BBC chiefs had initially planned to charge them from last month but delayed the start due to the coronavirus pandemic. Yesterday it confirmed there would be no further postponement.
The BBC, based at Portland Place, London, made the announcement today but has faced a fierce backlash
The cost of continuing to provide free licences to all over-75s could have reached £1billion a year with an ageing population.
The BBC’s chairman, Sir David Clementi, claimed the Corporation could not continue delaying the introduction ‘without impacting programmes and services’.
Age UK, which has led the fight against the plans, said it feared for the mental health of older people living on their own if they have to give up their TV set.
Director Caroline Abrahams said: ‘We’re bitterly disappointed by this decision on behalf of the millions of over-75s who have had a torrid time over the last few months and for whom this must feel like another kick in the teeth, during a terrible year.
‘Many older people on low incomes have told us that if they have to find £150-plus a year to pay for a licence then they will have to forego some other essential, or try to survive without TV at all.’
She criticised the ‘flawed design’ of the scheme saying two in five of all the pensioners on the lowest incomes do not get Pension Credit ‘even though they are entitled to it’.
But she said the ‘principal responsibility’ for the situation lay with government after it ‘transferred’ the scheme to the BBC.
Tory MP Julian Knight, who is chairman of the digital, culture, media and sport committee, said: ‘At what is already a very difficult time, this will be a body blow to millions of British pensioners.
‘I had hoped that the previous delay announced would lead to the Government and BBC coming together in order to thrash out a fresh deal. However, that has clearly not happened.’
The proposals sparked outrage when they were announced last year, with more than 630,000 people signing a petition set up by the charity Age UK, calling for action to be taken.
He said the ‘mess’ was the result of a ‘poor decision’ by outgoing director general Lord Hall and that ‘now Britain’s pensioners are having to pick up the cost’.
Boris Johnson’s spokesman said the PM disagreed with the move. He said: ‘This is the wrong decision. We recognise the value of free TV licences for over-75s and believe that they should be funded by the BBC.’
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: ‘I very much regret the decision that the BBC has taken. We gave the settlement to the BBC back in 2015. They said that it was a good settlement, and I regret that they couldn’t find efficiency savings in order to avoid having to impose the licence fee on the over-75s in the way that they have set out.’
Sir David Clementi admitted that while about 1.5million households could get free licences if on Pension Credit, only 450,000 of those eligible had applied.
The move provoked a swathe of criticism, with the likes of Dame Helen Mirren calling the end of the universal entitlement ‘heart-breaking’
There had been concerns that if pensioners were forced to go out and copy documents needed to qualify for the scheme, it could put lives at risk with coronavirus still circulating.
But the BBC said the implementation of the scheme will be ‘Covid-19 safe’ with no pensioners needing to leave their homes to claim for the free TV licence or to pay for one.
TV Licensing, which runs its collection activities, will write to those affected and give them ‘clear guidance’.
Telephone contact centres have also been set up to assist. The Corporation claims without the new fee, it would have had to close BBC2, BBC4, the BBC News channel, Radio 5 Live, the BBC Scotland channel and a number of local radio stations.
This shoddy decision to end free TV licences for most over-75s will haunt the BBC’s fat cat bosses.
OAPs’ direct action against lost perk.• Daily Mirror• 11 Jul 2020• BY BEN GLAZE Deputy Political Editor – Daily Mirror.
PENSIONERS have vowed to take direct action against plans to strip them of free TV licences.
The Silver Voices campaign group said it plans to “gum up the works” of the TV licensing system.
Director Dennis Reed yesterday confirmed it would launch the campaign within weeks, after the BBC said it would end free licences for over-75s who do not receive Pension Credit from August 1.
Labour is expected to try to force a Minister to the Commons next week to be grilled by MPs, after the Tories broke a 2017 manifesto pledge to protect the perk until at least 2022.
Furious OAPs will trigger moves to try to hamper the administration of the TV licensing system.
The plot – first revealed by the Mirror six weeks ago – will see all over-60s urged to stop
Direct Debit payments to pay the licence fee.
It is aimed at making the cost of administering and enforcing the licence fee “much more expensive than keeping the free licence for a relatively small group”.
Mr Dennis Reed said last night: “With the confirmation the BBC will be ending free TV licences for the over-75s from August 1, Silver Voices will implement its ‘gum up the works’ direct action from that date.
“Silver Voices is calling for all over-60s to take action to support the over-75s. From August 1, all over60s in the UK will be asked to withdraw from Direct Debits and standing orders, and advise TV Licensing they will only settle their licence fees by cheque or cash and post in future.
“Guidelines will also be issued on ‘creative but legal’ ways to complicate payments further.
“The intention will be to increase the costs of collection and enforcement to such a level that the Government and BBC will be forced to rethink this cruel policy.”
An estimated 3.7 million over-75s who currently receive free licences will have to pay £157.50 a year to watch. The Mirror has campaigned to save the benefit, with more than 18,000 readers backing the fight.
The Conservatives pledged at the 2017 election to protect free licences for the rest of that Parliament, which was due to run until 2022.
But the BBC had already been handed responsibility for funding the lifeline from June, under a deal agreed in FEE PROTEST Dennis Reed 2015. The move was delayed by two months because of the pandemic.
The Beeb says keeping licences free for all over-75s would cost £745million by 2021-22. The restrictions mean only over-75s who receive Pension Credit will be eligible.
Campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen accused the Government of trying to “shift blame” on to the BBC. She said: “My main criticism is for the politicians. I think Oliver Dowden [Culture Secretary], who said he felt let down by the BBC, was shifting blame.
“It was Gordon Brown who decided to make this gift of free television licences and it was George Osborne who took it away and said the Government would no longer fund it. And that’s what feels like a slap in the face to older people.”
Labour peer Lord Foulkes, who chairs Parliament’s cross-party group for ageing and older people, said: “For many who rely on their TV for information, entertainment and company, this has been a deadly blow.”
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Rebel pensioners who face being stripped of free TV licences tonight unveiled a “gum up the works” campaign aimed at hampering plans to axe their benefit.
Some 3.7 million OAPs are due to lose the lifeline, worth £157.50 a year, from August 1.
Curbs on entitlement were due to come into force on Monday, but were delayed by two months because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Older people’s groups are demanding a further stay of execution – and called on the Tories to honour a 2017 manifesto pledge to protect free licences for over-75s.
Silver Voices director Dennis Reed said: “June 1 was the original date to implement this cruel policy but it has only been delayed until August 1.
Actor Ricky Tomlinson has led protests against plans to axe free TV licences for most over-75s.
“It is callous in the extreme for the Government to leave this threat hanging over the heads of vulnerable and isolated senior citizens as the coronavirus crisis continues.
“The charities are reporting increased mental health concerns over the indefinite lockdown for older people and the TV is often the only means for us to keep in touch with reality.”
Silver Voices is writing to BBC director-general Lord Hall warning that unless the implementation date is delayed again, a “non-cooperation” campaign dubbed “gum up the works” will kick off on August 1.
BBC director-general Lord Tony Hall.
Initially, all over-60s will be urged to stop Direct Debit payments to pay the licence fee, and tell the BBC that in future they will only correspond with TV Licensing by post, and only pay by cheque.
Mr Reed said the drive was aimed at making make the cost of administering and enforcing the licence fee “much more expensive than keeping the free licence for a relatively small group”.
The Conservatives pledged at the 2017 election to protect over-75s’ free licences for the rest of that Parliament, which was due to run until 2022.
But the BBC had already been handed responsibility for funding the lifeline from June 2020, under a deal agreed in 2015.
The corporation is restricting eligibility to over-75s who receive Pension Credit.
It says keeping licences free for all would cost £745million by 2021-22.
Mr Reed hopes the mini-revolt will pile pressure on the Government to reverse its decision.
He added: “We are fed up to the back teeth about this continuing disrespect for older people and the time is right to turn the screw on the Government to keep its promises.”
Bectu broadcasting union head Philippa Childs said: “This potential action demonstrates how important it is for the Government to take responsibility for the cost of the licence fee for over-75s.
“The BBC should never had been forced to take the difficult decision about how free licence fees for the over-75s should continue to be offered.
“By forcing this recognised welfare benefit on to the BBC, the Government is shirking its responsibility towards this vulnerable group of people who in the current climate need access to it more than ever.
“The policy must be handled by the Government so that the BBC is able to focus on what it does best which is educating, informing and entertaining the nation.”
Lord Foulkes, co-chairman of Westminster’s cross-party group for ageing and older people, backed the campaign.
Labour peer Lord George Foulkes will raise the issue in the House of Lords.
The Labour peer, 78, will raise the TV licences row in House of Lords on Tuesday.
He said: “I fully support Silver Voices in their campaign.
“It underlines the real anxiety and anger felt by many older people and those who support them, which has been caused by the Government’s decision to renege on a clear manifesto promise.
“There is now extensive opposition to the withdrawal of free TV licences for over-75s.
“The Government therefore must put a stop to this by honouring their manifesto promise to older people and saving this valuable benefit indefinitely.”
Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams said: “The BBC Board’s decision to delay rollout of their planned scheme was very welcome but it is becoming more obvious with every day that the initial two-month delay was not nearly long enough.
Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams.
“Age UK is calling for the pause to last until at least the end of 2020.
“So many events and initiatives are being scrapped this year and with so many older people still stuck largely or solely at home, this should go the same way.”
The Mirror is campaigning to permanently save the benefit, with more than 18,000 readers backing the fight by completing coupons in the paper.
Boris Johnson has previously urged the BBC to “cough up” and save free licences.
Outgoing BBC boss Lord Hall has blamed the Government for axing the benefit.
Millions of pensioners betrayed with ‘kick in the teeth’ as free TV licence axed.
The BBC has said there will not be an extension to a two-month stay-of-execution, meaning 3.7m pensioners will have to pay the £157.50 yearly fee from1st August 2020.
Ricky Tomlinson joins protestors outside BBC Media City at the broadcaster’s decision to axe free TV licences for 3.7 million pensioners.
What is really going on in politics?
Millions of pensioners will have their free TV licence stripped from them on August 1.
An estimated 3.7 million over-75s who currently receive the benefit will now have to pay the £157.50 yearly fee.
The BBC said there will be no extension to a two-month stay-of-execution triggered by the pandemic.
The Tories, who had promised to safeguard the lifeline, have been blasted for “betraying” pensioners.
Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams said: “We’re bitterly disappointed on behalf of the millions of over-75s who have had a torrid time over the last few months and for whom this must feel like another kick in the teeth.
Mirror columnist Paul Routledge addresses a ‘Save the TV Licence’ rally at Westminster.
“Many older people on low incomes have told us that if they have to find £150-plus a year to pay for a licence they will have to forego some other essential, or try to survive without TV at all.
“We worry about the mental health of older people living on their own if they have to give up their cherished TV. For some it’s all they have and their main way of alleviating chronic loneliness.”
BBC chairman Sir David Clementi said: “The BBC could not continue delaying the scheme without impacting on programmes and services.”
The Tories pledged in 2017 to protect free licences for the rest of that Parliament, which was due to run until 2022.
But the BBC had already been handed responsibility for funding the benefit from 2020, under a deal agreed in 2015.
The Daily Mirror started a campaign to save millions of TV licences in 2018.
The Corporation says keeping licences free for all over-75s would cost £745million annually by 2021-22.
Bosses have decided that only those who receive Pension Credit – a benefit for the poorest pensioners – will be eligible. It means roughly 3.7 million over-75s are expected to miss out.
The BBC said about 1.5 million households may still get a free TV licence and that 450,000 have already applied.
The Mirror has campaigned to save the lifeline – supported by the likes of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, ex-Strictly judge Len Goodman and actor Ricky Tomlinson.
Boris Johnson, who vowed in 2017 to protect free licences, has again blamed the BBC. The PM’s spokesman said yesterday: “This is the wrong decision.
We recognise the value of free TV licences for over-75s and believe they should be funded by the BBC.”
But campaigners have accused the Tories of passing the buck.
Age UK said that while the BBC had made the decision, “the principal responsibility lies with the Government”.
Shadow Culture Secretary Jo Stevens said: “The refusal of the Government to fund this vital service after promising to do so is nothing short of betrayal.
“For the Government to blame the BBC who are having to contend with huge cuts is simply passing the buck.” Dennis Reed, director of campaign group Silver Voices, called the BBC board “stone-hearted” and compared Mr Johnson to Pontius Pilate.
Mr Reed added: “If the Government gets away with scrapping this universal benefit, winter fuel allowances will be next, followed by the [pensions] triple lock and free prescriptions.
Age UK charity director Caroline Abrahams said she is ‘bitterly disappointed’.
“TV [is] the main companion for millions. To put this lifeline under threat at this time is the height of cruelty.” The Bectu broadcasting union said: “The BBC has been put in an impossible position by the Government, and is already cutting talented staff and much-loved programmes.
“It is the Government who should be funding this benefit.”
The GMB union said the Tories “have double-crossed millions of pensioners”. While Labour peer Lord Foulkes has vowed to fight on.
Tory MP Julian Knight said: “At what is a very difficult time, this will be a body blow to millions of pensioners.
Jo Stevens says the decision is ‘nothing short of a betrayal’
“I hoped the previous delay would lead to the Government and BBC coming together to thrash out a fresh deal. That has clearly not happened.” The licence fee cut comes despite the Government spending billions to lessen the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis.
In March, Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled a £350billion package and this week announced a £30bn boost.
A BBC insider said that while the Corporation agreed to take on responsibility for the policy five years ago, it never committed to keep funding it.
The source said “that was never an option”, adding that the two-month delay to scrapping free licences “has already cost £70million – and that’s on top of the £125million of savings we need to find because of coronavirus”.
The insider said: “Our financial circumstances have changed significantly for the worse since this plan was announced a year ago.
“The only alternative to not pushing ahead with it would be to say goodbye to BBC2, BBC4, the BBC news channel, Radio 5 Live, BBC Scotland and several local radio stations.”
This treachery won’t be forgotten by us..• Daily Mirror• 10 Jul 2020• BY PAUL R0UTLEDGE.
BATTLE MAKING A STAND Actor RickyTomlinson at protest last year.
Mirror story in 2018 huge cuts is simply passing the buck.” Dennis Reed, director of campaign group Silver Voices, called the BBC board “stone-hearted” and compared Mr Johnson to Pontius Pilate.
Mr Reed added: “If the Government gets away with scrapping this universal benefit, winter fuel allowances will be next, followed by the [pensions] triple lock and free prescriptions.
“TV [is] the main companion for millions. To put this lifeline under threat at this time is the height of cruelty.” The Bectu broadcasting union said: “The BBC has been put in an impossible position by the Government, and is already cutting talented staff and much-loved programmes.
“It is the Government who should be funding this benefit.”
The GMB union said the Tories “have double-crossed millions of pensioners”. While Labour peer Lord Foulkes has vowed to fight on.
Tory MP Julian Knight said: “At what is a very difficult time, this will be a body blow to millions of pensioners.
“I hoped the previous delay would lead to the Government and BBC coming together to thrash out a fresh deal. That has clearly not happened.” The licence fee cut comes despite the
Government spending billions to lessen the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis.
In March, Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled a £350billion package and this week announced a £30bn boost.
A BBC insider said that while the Corporation agreed to take on responsibility for the policy five years ago, it never committed to keep funding it.
The source said “that was never an option”, adding that the two-month delay to scrapping free licences “has already cost £70m – and that’s on top of the £125m of savings we need to find because of coronavirus”.
The insider said: “Our financial circumstances have changed significantly for the worse since this plan was announced a year ago.
“The only alternative to not pushing ahead with it would be to say goodbye to BBC2, BBC4, the BBC news channel, Radio 5 Live, BBC Scotland and several local radio stations.”
BILLIONS here, billions there, Rishi Sunak threw money like confetti at a wedding to business, employers and the opera.
But the cowardly Chancellor delayed the Tory betrayal of pensioners for 24 hours.
Rich Rishi didn’t dare mention it in his mini-Budget because he knew it would spoil his big day.
This is how it looks to us oldies: Thatcher was the milk-snatcher. Sunak is the licence-snatcher.
Only yesterday could the BBC confirm that free TV licences for most over-75s will end in three weeks’ time.
Three million folk will have to fork out a week’s pension every year to fund their friend in the corner.
Too many already have to choose between heating and eating. All charities for the aged agree the telly has been crucial for the elderly during lockdown. It is our lifeline to the outside world – sometimes the only contact.
And if, God forbid, there is a second wave of Covid-19, it will coincide with the deprivation of this vital link.
This is not the fault of the Beeb. It is the toxic legacy of multi-millionaire George Osborne, who forced the cash-strapped BBC to accept financial responsibility.
Chancellor Sunak had one last opportunity to put this scandal right two days ago, and he deliberately, wilfully and arrogantly failed to take it. You can see I’m angry.
For me, this is personal. In 1968, I was fined £4 by a Marylebone stipendiary magistrate for using a wireless without a licence. It isn’t an offence now, and it was an oversight then. I had just moved to London, and didn’t have a TV so I didn’t get a licence that would have covered my old Bakelite radio.
I never made the same mistake again. Honest, m’lud.
Since then, I’ve paid thousands of pounds to watch the telly. I finally got my Gordon Brown free licence in December 2018. Twenty months later, the Tories are taking it away. Some furious oldies have said they will defy the detector van. This is serious. Failure to buy a licence will lead to fines and even imprisonment. A generation of pensioners faces the choice of kow-towing to the Government, or getting a criminal record in old age.
This latest treachery will go down badly with my generation. Remember, we turn out at election time.
Some Tories realise this is a vote loser. Julian Knight MP, chairman of the Commons Culture Committee, moaned that his Chancellor’s parsimony would be “a body blow” to pensioners.
It should also be a kick in the ballots. I urge readers to write to their MP to denounce this betrayal of the Conservatives’ promise to retain pension benefits.
If they can spend a million quid on painting Boris Johnson’s plane, and dole out billions to bosses they can afford to keep our licences. They could make a political soap out of this scandal: “Get stuffed, Minister!”
Only we won’t be able to watch it.
PAUL ROUTLEDGE ON VITAL LINK TV PROVIDES
DEMO Elderly are ready to fight.
It is our lifeline to the world, sometimes the only contact.
CWU Eastern No5 Branch 
