Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Communications (Television Licensing) Regulations 2004 (S.I. 2004/692) (“the CTLR 2004”) to make provision for a trial of a new TV licence to be known as a “Simple payment plan licence (not black and white only)” (a “simple payment licence”).

The cost of a simple payment licence is £150.50, payable in fortnightly or monthly instalments (see new paragraph 21 of Schedule 2 to the CTLR as inserted by regulation 4).

In the period ending with 30th September 2018, a simple payment licence is to be issued only in certain circumstances (see new paragraphs 19(1) and 20 of Schedule 2 to the CTLR 2004 as inserted by regulation 4). For example, a licence can be issued to a person if the person has, within the period of 6 months ending with the date the licence is issued, received advice from one of a list of specified charities in relation to any of the person’s financial obligations.

Provision is made for the renewal of a simple payment licence in the period beginning with 1st October 2018 and ending with 30th September 2019 (see new paragraph 19(2) of Schedule 2 to the CTLR 2004 as inserted by regulation 4).

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.