HC Deb 13 April 1999 vol 329 c89W
Dr. Tony Wright

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if he will estimate the cost of providing half-price television licences for all pensioners over the age of(a) 70, (b) 75 and (c) 80 years. [80269]

Janet Anderson

The estimated cost of providing half-price television licences for households where all members have reached the ages indicated would be:

  1. (a) 70 years —£125 million
  2. (b) 75 years —£83 million
  3. (c) 80 years —£43 million.
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport when the blind person's television licence discount was last uprated; and how its value in real terms has changed since that uprating. [80394]

Janet Anderson

The reduction in the television licence fee for blind people dates back to the time of radio licences, when registered blind people were entitled to a free radio licence or an equivalent reduction in the television licence fee. The reduction has remained unchanged at £1.25, the level of the radio licence on its abolition in April 1971. If the reduction had been increased in line with the All Items Retail Prices Index, it would now be £10.17.