Devon County Council

devon.gov.uk

From Michaila Hill, Exeter 382535, November 25,2008

Devon County Council expressed concern today that some vulnerable people have not received enough information about the digital TV switchover next year and could find themselves without a TV signal next summer.

Digital UK, the organisation responsible for the digital TV switchover, has been asked by Devon County Council to provide a report detailing their plans to ensure that everybody is fully informed and ready for when the analogue signal will stop.

"There has been a lot of advertising about the Digital TV switchover, but I'm still to be convinced that everybody, particularly vulnerable people such as the elderly and disabled are fully aware that this change will affect them" said Councillor Des Hannon, Executive Member responsible for ensuring a smooth switchover for Devon.

"For many people the telly is an absolute lifeline so it's crucial that these groups are specifically targeted for help. I want to make sure that Digital UK is putting every possible effort into this.

"Digital UK is already working hard, but it's our job to make sure Devon people get the very best service through the switchover."

A Government help scheme has been set up to help those over the age of 75, registered blind or partially sighted and those on certain benefits, and offers the conversion of one analogue TV set for £40. This fee is waived for those on pension credit, income support and job seeker's allowance. This scheme also includes residents of care homes.

However older people under the age of 75, people with disabilities or mental health problems and those with English as a second language, who are ineligible for the Government help scheme, will need targeting to ensure they know what they will need to do before the switchover happens.

Devon County Council has distributed publicity to vulnerable people through care staff and placed articles in magazines and council publications. There is a permanent link to the 'Get set for Digital' website on the Council's home page and all staff in Devon County Council's call centre has been briefed and will direct callers to the appropriate information regarding the switchover.

Des Hannon continues, "I'm sure the Regional Manager of Digital UK, Bill Taylor, won't mind me mentioning that he has said we are a model council who has cooperated and helped at every level of the process so far.

"I look forward to seeing what Digital UK have planned to ensure that all vulnerable groups are aware of the switchover and Devon County Council will do all we can to ensure a smooth digital TV switchover for everyone in Devon."

The digital TV switchover will take place from April to August next year with the four analogue transmitters serving Devon being switched off in phrases over a number of weeks so that viewers will initially lose BBC2 and start to receive a sub set of digital channels if they have digital equipment. At the end of the phrased switchover the remaining analogue channels will the switched off and the remaining digital channels will become available.

For more information about the digital TV switchover go to www.digitaluk.co.uk or phone 08456 50 50 50

Note to editors

Councillor Des Hannon can be contacted on 01884 253627

• Leader of the Council - Cllr Brian Greenslade
• Chief Executive -- Phil Norrey

• Budget £800 million
• Key investments include:
• Schools £349 million
• Adult and Community Services £164 million
• Environment, Economy and Culture £106 million
• Children and Young People £101 million

• Other important County Council support includes:
• Building programme: £185 million for new schools, roads, care services, libraries and recycling centres

• Political make-up:
• County Council seats: 62
• 33 Liberal Democrat
• 23 Conservative
• 4 Labour
• 2 Independent
• Next County Council elections: May 7, 2009

• Key stats:
• Population: 741,000
• Schools: 365
• Pupils: 96,200
• Children looked after: 584
• Adults helped to live at home: 17,622
• Residential and nursing care: 4,212 adults
• Libraries and Mobile Libraries: 61
• Roads: 12,831 kms (7,973 miles)
• Bridges: 3,500
• Public Rights of Way: 4,960 kms (3,200 miles)
• Streetlights: 71,000
• Illuminated road signs: 10,917
• Recycling Centres: 20
• Recycling rate: 49.21%

Figures may be subject to change

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