Help scheme

The Digital Switchover Help Scheme is designed to provide practical help for those people who we expect to have the most difficulty in making the switch to digital TV. Further details of the Scheme are available on the Switchover Help Scheme website.

Details of the Help Scheme are set out in a Scheme Agreement concluded by DCMS and the BBC. The Scheme will be funded through the TV Licence fee and estimated costs are around £603 million.

The BBC is responsible for delivering the Scheme although day to day operation has been contracted out to eaga plc. DSHS Ltd (a BBC subsidiary) will ensure that the contractor delivers the scheme as set out in the Scheme Agreement. More details can be found in the BBC press release online.

The scope of the Help Scheme is based on Government research that indicates that the eligible groups are the least likely to have digital TV and the most likely to struggle with adopting it. Some 7 million homes are expected to qualify for help, although not all will choose to take it up.

The Digital Switchover (Disclosure of Information) Act enables the Help Scheme to identify people who are eligible and write to them directly inviting them to apply for help.

Further information:

• Who is eligible?
• What will people get?
• How much does it cost?
• How was the Help Scheme developed?
• What about others who might need extra help?

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