news story

7th October 2009

MP Urges Over 75s and Disabled People not to Miss Out on Help with 'Digital Switchover'

Northavon MP Steve Webb has warned that vulnerable people could miss out on the help available when television signals in the West switch to digital in Spring 2010.

Based on experience elsewhere in the country, the House of Commons library has estimated for Mr. Webb that around 10,000 eligible households could miss out and end up paying out money they can ill afford for new digital TV equipment and aerial upgrades.

Under the Digital Switchover Help Scheme, people aged 75 or over and those on disability benefits such as DLA and Attendance Allowance can get help with the costs of digital switchover. For a £40 charge they can get a new Freeview box, help with installation and work to make sure that their aerial is up to scratch. For those on a low income, the £40 charge will also be waived. But evidence from around Britain suggests that over a third of those eligible for help have failed to take it up.

In South Gloucestershire this could mean up to 10,000 households missing out, according to House of Commons library figures. Now local MP Steve Webb is encouraging vulnerable households to make sure they check what help they can get before spending money they can ill afford on new equipment or aerial upgrades.

Steve Webb said:

"For many older or disabled people, television is a lifeline and they will want to be sure that their equipment still works when the traditional 'analogue' service is switched off next March. The key thing about the help scheme is not just that it provides new equipment, but that someone will come and install it and also check out your aerial. This is a very valuable service and I hope that all those who are entitled will take up this help".

The Digital Switchover help scheme is currently in the process of writing to all over 75s, people on certain disability benefits and people who are registered blind to let them know about the scheme. More information can be obtained by ringing the Digital Switchover help line on 0800 408 5900.

Note: Viewers who currently receive BBC West broadcasts will have to switch to digital in March 2010. Those who currently watch BBC Midlands services (including some in the northern parts of South Gloucestershire such as parts of Falfield and Charfield) will not need to switch until 2011.