Is the BBC using legal powers they don't have to send letters demanding payment for television licences?

Like many over-75s, I await the letter from the BBC demanding payment for a TV License. I have studied the Charter which allows the BBC to operate. This was signed off by the BBC representative. The wording of the Charter is precise and absolute that all over-75s shall have a free TV License. Therefore in issuing these letters demanding payment, has the BBC given itself legal powers which it does not have? The BBC has had a number of years to make the necessary adjustments to the way it operates but appears to have panicked at the last minute with the implied threat that it would have to reduce its service if it had to continue with free TV licenses for the over-75s. This matter needs to be challenged in the courts when the time comes and taken as a last resort to the Supreme Court for a final decision on does the BBC have the necessary power to change the Charter has signed off in mid term?.

C Osborne

Northampton