BBC TV Licence Fee Reduced by Half for Blind Households Amid Price Increase
As the standard BBC TV Licence fee rises to £180, a significant concession is available for eligible UK households. Individuals who are certified as blind, or severely sight impaired, can apply to pay just half of the full price, reducing their annual cost to £90.
Eligibility Criteria for the 50% Concession
To qualify for this reduced fee, applicants must provide evidence confirming they are registered as blind, specifically under the category of severe sight impairment. This concession is strictly for those with this certification; individuals who are partially sighted, or sight impaired, do not meet the eligibility requirements.
The discounted licence not only covers the blind person but also extends to anyone living in the same household, ensuring broader access without additional charges.
Required Documentation for Application
Applicants need to submit one of several approved documents to TV Licensing to verify their status. Acceptable proofs include:
- A Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) or BD8 Certificate, both confirming certification as blind.
- A certificate or document from a Local Authority showing registration as severely sight impaired.
- A copy of a certificate from an Ophthalmologist, such as an eye surgeon, stating blindness.
- A tax coding notice from HMRC indicating receipt of the Blind Person's Allowance.
- A National Registration Card signed by an Ophthalmologist, affirming severe sight impairment.
For residents in specific regions, alternative documents are accepted:
- In the Isle of Man, DHSS documentation or a certificate confirming blindness is valid.
- In Northern Ireland, Health and Social Services documentation or a letter from an Optometrist can be used.
Cost Details and Application Process
The concession applies to both colour and black-and-white TV licences. For a colour licence, the reduced fee is £87.25, while for black-and-white, it drops to £29.25. This represents a substantial saving compared to the new standard rate of £180.
Households can apply regardless of the age of the blind resident, making it accessible to all demographics. The process involves submitting the necessary documentation to TV Licensing, after which the concession will be granted, covering all occupants under a single licence.
This initiative highlights efforts to support accessibility and reduce financial burdens for those with severe visual impairments, ensuring they remain connected to public broadcasting services.
