Using Paypoint to pay licence
Re: "Candidate in attack on provisions" (Letters, August 15) I write to reassure your readers that two of the most important considerations in the BBC's decision to switch to PayPoint for TV Licensing's over-the-counter services were value for money and ease of payment for licence fee payers.
We expect to save more than £100 million over the life of the new six year contract, savings which will be put directly into programmes and services.
We also wanted to reassure your readers that we work closely with the Institute of Money Advisers and local Citizens Advice Bureaux to ensure their clients are aware of the payment options available.
We also made Action for Communities in Rural England and the National Farmers' Union, amongst other rural organisations, aware of our decision.
It is an unfortunate fact that the Post Office has a declining network. There are already more PayPoint outlets than Post Office branches across the UK, with another 2,000 PayPoint outlets predicted to become available by 2007, bringing the total to 17,000.
Furthermore, PayPoint outlets are open for an average of 100 hours per week and 98 per cent are open on Sundays. People wanting more information on their nearest PayPoint outlet can call 0870 850 7846 or visit www.paypoint.co.uk/locator
It is not in TV Licensing's interests to make it difficult for people to pay their TV licence. There are many different ways to pay in addition to the new PayPoint services. An increasing number choose to pay by direct debit, while others pay via our website, a cheque or by phone using a debit or credit card.
For further details visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk or contact 0870 241 5590.
Michelle Hughes, TV Licensing, Cardiff
