Jason Moorhouse, MHK , Castletown and

Response via email

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to share my concerns about the BBC threat to end the free television licences for people over 75 and over on the Island. As a Member for the many of my Constituents are genuinely apprehensions about the proposed changes.

I also have serious concerns about how the consultation is being managed and fundamental flaws in the process.

It was expected that the group most affected by the proposed changes would be engaged with and encouraged to contribute.

With the exception of an e-mail and a mention on Manx Radio this morning I have heard or seen nothing. Have those people who currently receive a free TV Licence been written to and asked to contribute to this process?

The individuals currently benefitting from this support often have a television for company. Their television provides valuable interaction with the outside world. An elderly lady recently smiled at me and stated, ‘My television is all I have’ those words really must be considered.

The people contribute a vast sum annually to the BBC and in some ways the return of £850 000 to improve the lives of our elderly helps justify this. There have been some noteworthy improvements in recent years such as on Island news team, but this in no way will compensate for the potential loss faced by some of our oldest and most vulnerable people.

Jason Moorhouse,

MHK Arbory, Castletown and Malew