ELDERLY and blind people across East Lancashire have welcomed changes which mean they will have to pay less for TV licences.

Despite a general price rise of £3, the over-75s will be entitled to a free licence from November 1 and there will be concessions for those who have already paid or become 75 before that date.

There is also a major concession for the blind who will see their discounted licence reduced to half price at £52.

Government insiders said that Rossendale and Darwen MP and Broadcasting Minister Janet Anderson had played a major part in ensuring concessions for the blind and the elderly.

Those who become over 75 on or after November 1 but have already paid their full licence fee will get a refund and those who pass that age between April 1 and November 1 will be able to buy short-term licences until they qualify for their free one.

Pensioners who will not qualify for the free licence but are in receipt of the existing £5 concession because they live in warden-controlled sheltered accommodation will still get their cheap licence.

Marion Clarke, of the Accrington and District Society for the Blind, said: "This is very good news. The previous concession of £1.25 off was not much and I believe this will be widely welcomed.

Help the Aged's Lancashire spokesman Martin Williamson said: "This is good, although it has to be pointed out that it is only a gesture and the underlying problems of low pensions still exist."

Vicky Shepherd, spokesman for Age Concern in Lancashire, added: "We are sure this will be a financial boost to pensioners, particularly those on low incomes.

"Many older people rely on television for entertainment as a link with the outside world and this scheme will ease the financial burden."

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