SCOTTISH Labour MP Hugh Gaffney hit out at the UK Government for not doing enough to stop pensioners from having to pay for a TV license. 

But the MP for Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill claimed the TV license for his constituency office from the taxpayer himself.

According to the Guido Fox blog, Gaffney makes £79,468 a year but still claimed £150.50 back.

Speaking at Prime Minister's Questions, Gaffney said: “A promise was made to the pensioners at the last General Election, that your party would protect the free TV licence until the end of this Parliament.

“That promise has now been broken and it’s pensioners like my dad who will pay the price.

“My dad is turning 90 in two weeks time. The TV is his main source of company.

“Just like many other pensioners up and down this country their companion is their TV. So Prime Minister, in your last act before you leave as PM, will you return the TV licence to the pensioners of this country?”

After wishing Gaffney’s father a happy birthday, May said: “The BBC received a good deal with Government in terms of the funding that was available to government for the BBC.

“And I think there are many people who will ask why it is that the BBC can raise their salary bill to their top performers and personalities at the same time as taking the action that they have done on TV licences.

“The BBC need to think again.”

Watch the full exchange below.

*The original version of this story did not make clear that the TV licence was for Hugh Gaffney's constituency office. The story has now been amended to include that detail.