§ Mr. WillettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will make a statement on her consultations with the BBC about amending the television licence fee regulations to protect the rights of people in sheltered accommodation when the social mix or level or warden cover change; and whether she plans to keep the current rules in force. [74710]
§ Dr. HowellsConsultations between officials and the BBC about the proposed changes to the Accommodation for Residential Care (ARC) concessionary television licence scheme are still in progress. We remain committed to the introduction of preserved rights to the ARC concession for existing beneficiaries, when the social mix or the level of warden cover in their sheltered housing change, and we intend to bring forward amending regulations as soon as we can. However, it is important that in doing so we do not create any new anomalies or unnecessary administrative burdens.