§ Mr. GerrardTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations he has received regarding proposals by the BBC to withdraw concessionary TV licences from sheltered accommodation. [84904]
§ Janet AndersonWe have received no such representations. The BBC has no power to amend the concessionary television licence scheme, nor has the Corporation submitted proposals for change to the Government or the BBC funding review panel. The Government have, however, received representations from Members of Parliament, local authorities and members of the public about the withdrawal of concessionary licences from sheltered accommodation which no longer meets the qualifying criteria for entitlement to the concession.