No changes planned to TV licence rebate scheme

Wed, 22 Nov 2017

The Treasury Minister says there are no imminent plans to simplify to process for refunding those aged 75 and over for their TV licences.

Since last year, those that qualify for the free TV licence have had to buy the licence and apply for a refund through a rebate scheme.

Alfred Cannan told Tynwald that there are legal requirements to ensure the person making the claim is eligible and their form has been completed within the required time.

He added that the scheme isn't ideal but that there is no viable alternative, although he plans to conduct a review of the system in the first half of 2018.

Since the scheme was brought in, over 6000 payments have been made to those eligible for the free TV licence, with most receiving a refund within a week of their claim.