Isle of Man Government is to meet the cost of TV licences for residents aged over 75 who don’t receive income support, until the end of 2021.
The move follows the decision by the BBC that from 1 January 2021 it will fund licences only for pensioners in receipt of that benefit.
The Treasury and Council of Ministers have considered the position for residents aged over 75 who are not entitled to income support, and has agreed to fund the concession for all over-75s for the calendar year 2021.
The Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan said:
‘The decision by the BBC has come at quite a late point in the year. In the light of that and given a number of circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic, it is appropriate that we provide clarity now on what will happen for next year.
‘Therefore we have committed to covering the cost for everyone aged over 75 for 2021. This is one less thing to worry about for older pensioners who we understand may have heightened concerns at the present time. This will also allow time to consider what future arrangements might be appropriate.’
Notes:
- The BBC announced its decision on licence concessions for over 75 year olds on 26 October, providing parity with its decision for the United Kingdom and each of the Channel Islands
- TV Licensing will send TV licences to all those whom Treasury has confirmed as being eligible in late December or early January
- A pensioner who will reach the age of 75 before the end of this year should still apply directly to TV Licensing for a free licence
- The Pensions Team in the Social Security Division of Treasury will write to pensioners reaching the age of 75 next year, shortly before their 75th birthday, to make arrangements for a TV licence concession, should the individual be eligible
- In the Isle of Man there are approximately 500 people aged over 75 eligible for the concession
