§ Patrick MercerTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will amend the regulations on free television licences for those under the age of 75 in care homes. [163611]
§ Estelle MorrisTelevision licence fee regulations laid before Parliament on 11 March this year and due to come into force on 1 April include amendments to the rules governing the £ Accommodation for Residential Care concessionary scheme, principally in response to changes in care homes legislation or for the clarification of entitlement. These amendments are not intended to make any changes of substance to the scope of the scheme's coverage. The Government have no plans at present for any wider changes to the concessionary scheme, but have made clear that the future funding of the BBC will be considered as part of the Charter review process. This will include a detailed examination of the concessionary arrangements.