§ 17. Ms CoffeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will introduce measures to allow televisions in communal areas in homes where all residents are over 75 years old to have a free licence. [158156]
§ 24. Ms Oona KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will introduce measures to allow televisions in communal areas in homes where all residents are over 75 years old to have a free licence. [158163]
§ Janet AndersonThe Government have received a number of representations from hon. Members and members of the public on this subject. We are currently considering the matter.
§ 22. Liz BlackmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport how people in sheltered housing have been affected by changes to the television licensing regime; and if he will make a statement. [158161]
§ Mr. Chris SmithThe only recent change relating specifically to sheltered housing has been an amendment to the regulations governing the £5 Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) concessionary licence scheme in April 2000. This brought the qualifying age for men and women into line at 60. Information is not available on the number of additional beneficiaries resulting from this change.
484WAn estimated 500,000 people live in sheltered housing which qualifies for the ARC scheme. About 80 per cent. of these residents are aged 75 or over and therefore now qualify for the free licences introduced by the Government in November last year. The number of people living in sheltered housing which does not qualify for the ARC scheme is not known, but any residents who are 75 or over are also entitled to a free licence.