MHK calls for Tynwald to reinstate free TV licences

Tynwald is being asked to reinstate free TV licences for elderly people on the Isle of Man with 'immediate effect'. 

Douglas North MHK David Ashford will lead the call for action when the court sits next Tuesday. 

He's put forward a motion calling for the free licences, for people aged 75 and over, to be given back. 

The concession was scrapped on September 1st - in a move that's expected to save government around £600,000 a year.  

Mr Ashford says he wants anyone who's since paid for one to be refunded.

He's also calling on government to put pressure on the BBC to agree to the same funding arrangements for the Isle of Man as those in place in the UK.  

Tynwald will also be asked to set up a committee to consider a petition on the same subject which was submitted by three Manx Labour Party members who stood unsuccessfully in the General Election.