Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Hughes inquires about the government's policy on penalties for non-payment of BBC licence fees.
What is his policy on BBC licence fee penalties and payments? Does he agree that the BBC should focus on providing free TV licences for over-75s rather than criminalising customers who cannot pay?
The Government have committed to maintaining the licence fee funding model. They want to help vulnerable people who struggle to pay by introducing a simple payment plan on 1 April. The Minister agrees with focusing on free TV licences for over-75s but expresses disappointment at the BBC's decision to restrict this concession.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Nicolson criticises the Government for potentially sending vulnerable pensioners to prison over non-payment of TV licences.
Will the Minister commit to stepping in to cover costs for the most vulnerable, given that some poorest and most vulnerable pensioners will be hit with TV licence fee charges?
The Minister repeats his earlier answer on consulting whether decriminalisation of TV licence fee evasion should go ahead. He suggests that if the model relies on sending people to prison in 2020, other funding models might need consideration.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to cover costs for vulnerable pensioners
Repeating Previous Answer
Suggesting Alternative Funding Models
Response accuracy