[RichardCoulter]

I'm wondering if this will backfire on the Government as 40% of pensioners who are entitled to Pension Credit don't claim it.

Reasons are varied, ranging from not bothering to claim small entitlements, to pride to ignorance of the scheme eg a lot think that there is a capital limit like other means tested benefits, which there isn't. Savings of up to £10,000 are ignored and people are deemed to be receiving £1 a week notional income for every £500 above £10,000.

If realising that they have to claim it in order to continue receiving a free TVL, it prompts them to swallow their pride, check to see if they are entitled or it becomes worth claiming a small amount that they were entitled to, the welfare bill and associated administrative costs will increase, possibly by more than they hoped to save by passing on the cost to the BBC (£2.97 per week per pensioner over 75).

The average amount of each successful claim is £58.

Of course, if more people become eligible for a free TVL than the BBC estimated under their new scheme, it will result in a further financial shortfall.