Careful what you wish for....

There will be no last laugh in the stand-off between the Conservative Government and the BBC over restricting free tv licences for the Over 75s to those receiving Pension Benefit. This clever-dicky Osborne manoeuvre seemed win-win-win to top Tories in the brutish end to Charter Renewal negotiations - it reduced 'public spending'; it would make the BBC unpopular if it ditched the benefit; and it would clip the BBC's finances long-term.

Maybe Auntie should set up a new Consumer Advice strand, helping families work together to claim the two forms of Pension Credit. In 2016/17, up to 1.3 million families who were entitled to receive Pension Credit did not claim the benefit. Up to £3.5 billion of available Pension Credit went unclaimed. On average, this amounted to around £2,500 per year for each family entitled to receive Pension Credit but not claiming.  Set against £154.50, it's a great deal.

And it doesn't end there. If you're on Pension Credit...

• It’s unlikely you’ll have to pay Council Tax (unless other people live with you).
• You’ll get free NHS dental treatment, and you can claim help towards the cost of glasses and travel to hospital.
• You’ll get a Cold Weather Payment of £25 when the temperature is 0°C or below for 7 days in a row.
• If you rent your home, you may get your rent paid in full by Housing Benefit.
• If you own your home, you may be eligible for help with mortgage interest, ground rent and service charges.
• If you’re a carer, you may get an extra amount known as Carer Premium, or Carer Addition if it’s paid with Pension Credit. This is worth up to £36.85 a week.