GMB host Piers Morgan has called on the BBC to fire senior employees to fund free TV licences for the over-75s.
The presenter, 54, told the Sun ending the policy was “a disgrace”, claiming the BBC bore the brunt of responsibility for the decision.
“There are over 100 BBC executives who earn £150,000 or more, start with some of them,” he raged.
The ex newspaper editor continued: “They are a very bloated organisation with way too [many] staff. To take away the free licence is outrageous – a disgrace. They can blame the government all they like but the BBC agreed to the deal.”
Read more: Proud Kerry Katona shares beautiful video of ‘lookalike’ daughter Lilly-Sue at her prom
Piers also angrily mused on how those who do not pay their way could fare in court.
He ranted: “The idea that they may start imprisoning D-Day veterans for not paying a TV licence and that ironically they go to prison and get to watch TV for free. What has happened to this country?”
It was announced last week that around 3.7 million households which previously received a free licence will have to pay for one from 2020 – three years after the 2017 Tory election pledge to continue free licences.
It is believed that 1.5 million households will still be eligible for the free licence under the new scheme.
Read more: Holly Willoughby enjoys night out with pals at Spice Girls gig
Tony Hall, director-general of the BBC, said the move was “not an easy decision” to make.
And Chairman of the BBC Sir David Clementi indicated “fairness” was a primary reason for the change.
He called linking a free licence for over-75s to Pension Credit the “leading reform option”, adding: “It protects the poorest over-75s, while protecting the services that they, and all audiences, love.
“It is the fairest and best outcome. It is one we can implement and endorse. This is an outcome that is the fairest possible in difficult circumstances.”
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.