Why the BBC doesn’t have to cut free licences for the over 75s

Since its establishment in 1922, the funding of the BBC has been a source of debate and criticism. While the emergence of Netflix has pushed the discussion about a compulsory TV licence in the UK to become more urgent, it is the decision to cut free licences for the over 75s that has really magnified the issue — despite there being a very simple answer.

It was always going to be a controversial decision to can universal licences for over 75s. It is no coincidence that politicians target this demographic — one that they see…