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James Rodger
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Liverpool Echo
Jul 2026
DWP confirms free TV Licence for households on one benefit – who qualifies and how to claim
State pensioners aged 75 and over with low incomes can receive a free BBC TV licence by claiming Pension Credit, a benefit worth around £4,300 annually that also unlocks other financial support. The DWP confirmed increases to Pension Credit and outlined ongoing commitments to pensioner benefits, while the Department for Culture, Media and Sport reiterated current TV licence concessions and indicated it is considering future adjustments without removing existing support. The government maintains the existing licence fee structure through 2027.
Liverpool Echo
Jul 2026
DVLA driving licences could be revoked from October under new DWP powers – who is affected?
Courts in the UK will be able to revoke driving licences from October for benefits claimants who owe at least £1,000 in debt under new Labour government powers granted to the Department for Work and Pensions. Exemptions apply for people who need their licence for essential work or caring duties, and bans can be suspended if repayment plans are followed. Ministers Andrew Western and Satvir Kaur said the measures aim to protect taxpayers, recover unpaid debt and clamp down on fraud, with enforcement governed by strict DWP codes of practice.