Written question asked by Peter L Pike (Labour) on Monday, 10 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 July 2000. It was answered by Janet Anderson (Labour) on Thursday, 20 July 2000 on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Dept for Culture Media and Sport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what action the Government has taken to ensure that people who are partially sighted claim their entitled discount on their TV licence; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Pike: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what action the Government have taken to ensure that people who are partially sighted claim their entitled discount on their TV licence; and if he will make a statement. [130289] Janet Anderson: :I have been asked to reply. The 50 per cent. reduction in the television licence fee which the Government introduced on 1 April this year is available to all registered blind people. Statutory responsibility for the administration of the television licensing system, including concessions, rests with the BBC. I understand that the BBC's agent, TV Licensing, is including details of the concession in letters that are being sent to every household about free television licences for the over-75s. Additional leaflets have also been produced, with audio and Braille versions. Other promotional activity includes local radio trails, information on the BBC's Website and liaison with community links and outreach centres. The BBC has liaised with the Royal National Institute for the Blind on the subject of this concession and Post Office counter staff have been informed of it.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 354 c269W;354 c269-70W; 130289
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: BBC Concessions Eligibility Leaflets Publicity Visual impairment Television licences
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk