§ 7. Ms Christine Russell (City of Chester)If the BBC funding review panel will review the basis on which concessions are given for television licences. [77375]
§ The Minister for Tourism, Film and Broadcasting (Janet Anderson)Yes. The terms of reference for the review panel require it to
consider the current structure of the concessionary licence scheme and whether a suitable alternative structure could be available".
§ Ms RussellDoes my hon. Friend agree that the present system is unfair, riddled with anomalies and downright divisive? That is the view of most pensioners and older people in my constituency. Furthermore, is my hon. Friend aware of the miserly £1.25 rebate that blind people can obtain off their licence? Will those two concerns be passed on to the review panel?
§ Janet AndersonI congratulate my hon. Friend on the excellent job that she does in representing the views of her constituents. The Government accept that the current concessionary licence scheme is imperfect and unsatisfactory. I can confirm that the review will consider the concession for blind people, which the Government accept is currently of little help, but the way forward must be considered as part of a wider review of concessions.
§ Mr. David Heath (Somerton and Frome)Is not the hon. Member for City of Chester (Ms Russell) absolutely right? Is it not absurd that two pensioners in Frome, who live next to each other in identical flats—one in a sheltered scheme, one outside it—are asked to pay totally different amounts for their television licences? Should we not have a system that treats all pensioners equitably?
§ Janet AndersonThe hon. Gentleman hits the nail firmly on the head. The unfairness of the current scheme is a problem. The Government accept that the concessionary licence scheme is imperfect and unsatisfactory, but we must be aware that any substantial extension of concessionary arrangements could be expensive. We shall consider in detail the outcome of the review.
§ Mr. Lindsay Hoyle (Chorley)Obviously, I welcome my hon. Friend' s statement. However, will she consider ensuring that the people who benefit from a cheap licence will not suddenly face an increase when the anomalies are removed? Will she consider ensuring that all pensioners benefit from a £5 licence?
§ Janet AndersonMay I say, as I have said already, that we must be aware that any substantial extension of the concessionary scheme could be very expensive? We await the deliberations of the review, and we shall give detailed consideration to them. Let me repeat that we recognise the unfairness of the present scheme, which is undoubtedly imperfect and unsatisfactory.