TV Licence Fee People over 75 2022-01-06
2022-01-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the enforcement actions taken by the BBC against individuals aged over 75 following the decision to end free TV licences.
On what date she last held discussions with the BBC on the enforcement of TV licence fee payments for people aged over 75.
I meet the BBC regularly to discuss a range of issues, including enforcement, and I will meet the chair and director-general next week. The BBC confirmed recently that no enforcement action has been taken against anyone over 75 years of age at this stage.
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Assessment & feedback
The date of the last discussion with the BBC on enforcement actions
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is questioning the reliability of the BBC's assurances about not taking enforcement action against individuals aged over 75 and suggests removing the BBC's power to enforce sanctions.
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that response, but do we trust the BBC? Would it not be much better to remove the power of the BBC to enforce sanctions through the criminal law against those who are over 75 and who are supporting a policy that the Government say they also support?
I reassure my hon. Friend that the entire issue of over-75s and decriminalisation remains very much under review and on my desk. The BBC has confirmed that no enforcement action has been taken.
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Assessment & feedback
The consideration of removing the BBC's power to enforce sanctions through criminal law against those over 75
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references a previous government's agreement with the BBC to fund free licence fees for over-75s in exchange for certain concessions, and questions what action is being taken now that the BBC has breached its part of the agreement.
About six years ago, a previous Government entered into a two-way agreement with the BBC regarding the over-75s. The BBC's part of the agreement was that it would continue to fund free licence fees for the over-75s. The Government's part of the agreement was to agree to an increase in the licence fee and to some other aspects that advantaged the BBC. The BBC has broken its part of the agreement. What are the Government doing about our part?
As I said in my previous answer, this is something that I am continuing to review. I reiterate that the BBC has taken no action against anyone over 75 years of age—no one.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific actions being taken by the government regarding the breach of the agreement
Under Review
Response accuracy