THE BBC will write to thousands of pensioners across the county telling them to cough up for their TV licence.

The national broadcaster has faced stinging criticism for the move - particularly as a number of its big stars earn sky high wage packets, like Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker who’s on £1.75m per annum.

Campaigners said the scrapping of free licences for the elderly will be devastating, especially as a second wave of Covid-19 would make the TV a lifeline.

The rules came into force on August 1 and apply to all households, apart from someone in the age bracket who gets Pension Credit - this means they will have to find £157.50 per year to watch TV.

An analysis of House Of Commons library resources reveals that 6,620 households with someone aged 75 or over in Carlisle will cease to qualify for a free licence under the new means-tested scheme.

In the north west, numbers total 348,830.

In Copeland, the number stands at 4,140 and, in Allerdale it stands at 6,180 households.

Across the country about 3.2 million households look likely to lose out on the benefit.

Andy Kinrade, finance manager at Age UK West Cumbria, based in Workington, said: “It is going to have a high impact on a lot of our clientele in west Cumbria.

“In the current climate the TV is an important source of information and we are urging the Government speak to the BBC and come up with a solution.”

“If people find themselves in a situation where they need advice by all means get in touch with us.”

The BBC said it would cost £745m a year to foot the bill for over-75s.

A Government spokeswoman said: “The BBC agreed to take responsibility for the over-75 concession in 2015 in return for a substantial boost to its income.

“It decided to restrict the concession must now look at supporting those affected and using its £4 billion licence fee income, including making efficiencies.”

A BBC spokeswoman said: “The BBC isn’t making any judgements about who is or isn’t poor, as the Government sets the criteria for Pension Credit eligibility.”

For advice ring Age UK West Cumbria on 01900 844670, or for the Carlisle and Eden branch ring 01228 536673.