24 October 2006
Draft Regulations to enable the introduction of Jersey’s Television Licence scheme, have now been lodged. It is hoped that the legislation will be debated by the States on 16 May 2006 after the compulsory 6 week period for lodging. The scheme can then come into force shortly after.
Under the scheme, residents who are aged 75 or over, who live in domestic dwellings and are on comparatively low income will be entitled to have the cost of their television licence paid for them. The income limits to qualify are an annual income of less than £12,770 for a single person and £20,720 for a couple.
The Social Security Minister, Senator Paul Routier, said "I am pleased to bring these Regulations to the States so that the Television Licence scheme will be up and running by the end of May as I originally indicated. Mindful of the time needed for the necessary legislative and administrative systems to be set up, as previously announced, the Minister for Treasury and Resources, Senator Terry Le Sueur, has agreed to make money available from the beginning of the year. People who have already paid their TV Licence will get it refunded.
Many people who believe they may be entitled to benefit under the scheme have already contacted the Social Security Department to register. Anyone who has not yet done so but believes they might be entitled should contact the Department as soon as possible on +44 (0) 1534 445505 or by visiting the Department. As soon as the legislation has been passed and administration is in place, people whose names are on the list will be contacted.
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