BBC bosses are facing criticism over TV licence costs as the monthly payment option charges more than the upfront annual fee.

People have the option to pay the £159 annual licence fee in full or to spread the cost quarterly or by direct debit each month.

However, those choosing to pay the monthly option can end up paying out £79.50 extra – half the cost of an annual licence – over the first 12 months.

Speaking to the Express, director of Silver Voices, representing senior citizens, Dennis Reed said: “The arrogant and complacent bosses of the BBC have done nothing to help vulnerable customers through the cost of living crisis, despite pleas special arrangements should be introduced and prosecutions for TV licence non-payment should be suspended.

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“Unlike other utilities, the BBC refuses to consider a social tariff for vulnerable customers.”

It comes after it was previously reported the BBC bombarded people in the UK with TV licencing letters as revenues from the fee fell.

Alan Lloyd, 81, told the Express: “I telephoned and was informed I would be paying six monthly amounts followed by a further six at a lesser rate.

“A quick mental addition made me think this would cost considerably more than £159, so I asked the adviser to calculate the figure I would be paying over the year.

“Such was the answer, I queried the amount, which was confirmed. The extra was excessive in my view, so I opted for quarterly.

“It seems the BBC are taking advantage, particularly of pensioners like me who previously did not have to pay.”

According to TV Licensing, the body contracted to administer cash collection and enforcement, paying monthly spreads the cost in full with payments of £26.50 over six months.

Thereafter, it reverts back to £13.25 per month meaning that over the first year a total of £238.50 is paid.

In response, TV Licensing said: “Payment schemes are set by the government and laid out in legislation.

“The monthly direct debit scheme, in which new joiners pay for their licence over six months, then pay towards their next licence over 12 months, is one of several options available to spread the cost.

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“We also offer the Simple Payment Plan, specially designed for customers in financial difficulty, which enables them to spread the cost of a licence evenly.

“We work hard to help people, particularly those in need of extra support. We have a duty to collect the licence fee from anyone who requires a licence, and we do our utmost to support customers while treating everyone fairly.”