TV licence holders have been told the system is changing. It will make it harder for those struggling financially to be prosecuted for not paying, it has been claimed.
Under the new plans, announced on May 11, those facing enforcement action for not paying the £159 TV licence fee while watching live television, will be given two months' breathing space. Those without a TV Licence will be offered payment plans to spread out the cost.
Those struggling will also be offered free support and advice from the debt charity StepChange. The support plan comes in response to a Gender Disparity Review by the BBC which looked at why 75 per cent of those prosecuted for not paying for their TV Licence were women.