§ Mr. QuinnTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans he has to amend the regulations governing the Accommodation for Residential Care concessionary television licence scheme to prevent residents losing their entitlement to the concession following changes introduced by then housing managers. [157854]
§ Mr. Chris SmithA number of hon. Members have expressed concern about residents in sheltered accommodation losing their entitlement to the £5 Accommodation for Residential Care television licence fee concession, as the result of changes to the way their accommodation is provided or managed. The Government share these concerns. We propose to introduce measures to preserve the rights of beneficiaries a the concessionary scheme who remain in a sheltered housing complex or residential home provided or managed by a local authority, a housing association or a development corporation, when the social mix or the level of warden cover change. We are consulting with the BBC on the formulation of the necessary amendments to the regulations governing the concessionary scheme.