§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what representations she has received on the need to change the regulations concerning television licences for private properties housing mental patients who have been placed there by the local NHS mental health trusts; what plans she has to reconsider these regulations; and if she will make a statement. [23207]
§ Mr. Sproat[holding answer 1 April 1996]: We are not aware of any representations on this subject, nor do we have any plans for changes to the television licensing regulations.
§ Mr. HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage what proportion of a television licence fee a mental health patient has to pay if(a) a resident in accommodation eligible for a residential care television licence and (b) housed in a property which fulfils all the requirements necessary for a residential care television licence, but is not directly provided or run by a local authority or housing association. [23208]
§ Mr. Sproat[holding answer 1 April 1996]: As from 1 April 1996, the cost of full fee television licences is £89.50 for colour and £30 for black and white. These full licence fees are payable by mentally disordered persons unless all the qualifying criteria for a £5 residential accommodation care licence are met. These criteria include detailed requirements about how the accommodation is provided or managed. This does not necessarily need to be by a local authority or housing association.