Hard

The leader who loves red lines has drawn another.

 "I recognise the value that people across the country place on having a television, and for many elderly people the connection that brings with the world - and that's why the free licences for the over-75s are so important. We want and expect the BBC to continue free licences when they take over responsibility for the concession in 2020.

"I think taxpayers rightly want to see the BBC using its substantial licence fee income in an appropriate way to ensure it delivers fully for UK audiences."

The Prime Minister's spokesman amplified the point, made at Question Time, and added a little light bullying over salaries.

 "As part of the charter negotiations with the BBC it was agreed they would take on responsibility for the concession in 2020 and we would expect them to continue with that.

"As the PM said taxpayers will rightly want to see the BBC using its substantial licence fee income in an appropriate way so it can deliver fully for UK audiences. This includes showing restraint on salaries for the senior staff."

In the next financial year, the BBC has to contribute £450m towards the benefit, before it's due to take the full £745m+ cost in 2020/21. The next general election is May 2022, unless triggered earlier.