You will recall the Almshouse Association has been in discussion with the BBC for almost a year regarding the interpretation of the legislation with respect to almshouse accommodation that qualifies for a concessionary licence for their residents under the ARC (Accommodation for Residential Licences) Scheme.
Confusion had arisen from the wording ‘Established before 1 November 1949’. The BBC’s interpretation led to a number of almshouse charities whose almshouse charity had been founded before 1 November 1949, but whose almshouse buildings had not been built before this date, or were now on land not part of the original endowment, being denied the concession.
The Almshouse Association made a substantive case that the wording should be interpreted to mean when an almshouse charity was founded rather than when a particular building was built. As a consequence the BBC have written to the Association and advised that they have been …
“persuaded that, on balance, yours is the better interpretation, and we will be altering TVL’s future practice in this regards (and amending our guidance)”
Pipa Doubtfire, Head of Revenue Management, BBC
This is brilliant news and if any members have been declined an ARC Concessionary TV License because of this misinterpretation we would urge them to re-apply.
To read the BBC’s letter in full, please click here
20/03/19