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<p>The Prime Minister and the Secretary of State frequently discuss a wide range of
issues relating to the business of the Department, including television and the media.</p><p>
</p><p>The Government has been clear that the future of the over 75s concession is
the responsibility of the BBC, not Government. In the 2015 funding settlement, we
agreed with the BBC that responsibility for the concession will transfer to the BBC
in June 2020; this reform was then debated and agreed by Parliament in the passage
of the Digital Economy Act 2017.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is disappointed with
the BBC’s decision to restrict the over 75s concession to only those aged over 75
and in receipt of Pension Credit. We recognise the importance of television to people
of all ages, particularly for older people who value television as a way to stay connected
with the world. The Secretary of State met with the Chairman of the BBC Board and
the Director-General of the BBC, and asked them to do more to help those affected
by its decision.</p>
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