The Journalists’ Charity is increasing its joining up fee for the first time in over 10 years.

For many years the one-off lifetime membership fee has been set at £50.

But after realising the money barely covered the administration costs, the charity has finally decided to increase the joining fee to £120 – payable at £5 per month over two years.

The Journalists Charity hands out grants to reporters who have fallen on hard times and last year awarded £250,000 to over 160 applications.

In September, the charity opened a £4m care home for former reporters or their relatives, which has also added to their running costs.

Deputy director Anne Moxham said: “It has been £50 for a long time, certainly more than 10 years.

“It was the trustees who discussed it last year and the by-law was amended at the AGM in May.

“I think the trustees are hoping people will commit a little bit more.

“If it’s coming out every month it jogs people’s memories a little (about the charity).”

The change is happening now and current members won’t have to pay the £70 extra they will be asked for a contribution.

Anne added: “It’s becoming a bit of a struggle. The feeling was, with spending the money on the care home, it would be nice to get a bit more money.

“And it does mean people can cancel it halfway through if they cannot afford it.

“All ages contribute but they are getting progressively older and we are keen to recruit new people.”