A LOCAL MSP is challenging others to get behind calls to stop free TV licences for over-75s being scrapped.

An estimated 23,119 people in Glasgow will be hit by the Tory government’s decision to force over-75s to pay an extra £154.50 in household bills.

MSP Bill Kidd said the impact this decision will have on our older population will be enormous and will have a direct consequence on the plans to tackle social Isolation in older groups.

He added: “Scrapping the free TV licence for over-75s will leave tens of thousands of Scots worse off.

Read more: 4,227 pensioners in West Dunbartonshire to lose free TV licence

“After years of Tory austerity, the last thing our older people need is extra money being taken out of their pockets. The extra burden of £154.50 to their household bills could have a serious impact on hard-stretched finances particularly in my Glasgow Anniesland Constituency where there is a large demographic of older people.

“Ruth Davidson, who ran away from representing this great city has refused to act to protect free TV licences for over-75s and that is damning – it’s clearer than ever that the Tories simply can’t be trusted to deliver for Scotland’s or its older people.

“Both Tory MSPs in Glasgow must urgently get behind cross-party calls to ensure that the TV licence for over-75s is properly funded and protected and not condone this passing of the Buck to the BBC to be a surrogate tax collector.”