§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (1) what changes she proposes to the working of the concessionary scheme so that eligibility for concessionary TV licences is not lost when someone under 60 years moves into the beneficiary's sheltered housing; [74538]
(2) how many representations from (a) members of the public, (b) charities and (c) hon. Members she has received regarding sheltered housing schemes being charged for a television licence because a resident is under 60; and if she will make a statement; [74540]
(3) when the proposals she has to change the working of the concessionary scheme so that eligibility for concessionary TV licences is not lost when someone under 60 moves into the beneficiary's sheltered housing will be published. [74539]
§ Dr. HowellsThe Government proposes to introduce preserved rights for beneficiaries of the Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) concessionary television licence scheme when the social mix or the level of warden cover in their sheltered housing change, so long as the accommodation continues to be provided or managed by a local authority, a housing association or a development corporation. We intend to publish amending regulations as soon as possible, but the ARC scheme is complex and it is important that, in amending it, we avoid creating any new anomalies or unnecessary administrative burdens.
Information about the number of representations received on different aspects of the concessionary television licensing arrangements is not recorded separately.