New reforms will mean thousands of people on low incomes can get or renew a TV licence for free, the Government has said. Reforms aim to ease the "administrative burden" on those who are eligible - as currently the BBC needs to supplied with documentation in support of claims.
Instead of asking for paperwork, TV Licensing staff will be able to verify with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) whether an application is valid. It is believed that about 7,000 people on low incomes will benefit each month from the change, ChronicleLive reports.
A standard colour TV licence costs £159 a year, with a black and white licence costing £53.50. People who are blind or severely sight impaired can apply for a half-price discount.
