TV licence rebate scheme pays out almost £900,000

Almost £900,000 has been paid out in TV licence refunds since the introduction of a rebate scheme.

The Treasury introduced the programme last year to provide refunds for those aged 75 and over, as well as pensioners who receive income support.

In this week's sitting of the House of Keys, Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan revealed that payments worth £881,470 have been made since the scheme was introduced last September.

Mr Cannan admitted that the figure was a little higher than expected, suggesting few have chosen not to apply for a refund.

The Minister also confirmed that the salary cost of running the scheme is around £30,000 per year.