ANNOUNCEMENT OF DIGITAL HELP SCHEME SUPPLIER MUST FOCUS MINDS - MOORE

12.00.00am GMT Thu 21st Feb 2008

Borders MP Michael Moore has reacted to the BBC's announcement that Eaga plc has been selected as the preferred supplier of the Digital Switchover Help Scheme by saying that the decision must now focus minds on improving the take-up of the help that will be available through the scheme.

Mr Moore has repeatedly expressed concerns that many older people in the Borders are missing out on help to which they would have been entitled. A huge publicity campaign has been running for many months advising viewers in the Borders about the forthcoming switch to digital. However, the help scheme is not yet up and running, and people who have already purchased digital set-top boxes but who would have been eligible to receive them under the scheme will not get any retrospective payments. Mr Moore is concerned that hundreds of older viewers will have already missed out.

He is also calling for the help scheme to be changed from that used in the trial switchover in Whitehaven, which was run by Capita Group plc, where recipients of the scheme had to opt-in to receive help with installation of the set-top box. Mr Moore believes that some viewers lost out through missing this crucial tick-box on the form. He has written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to urge him to ensure that an opt-out scheme is used in the Borders so that older and more vulnerable viewers do not end up simply receiving a set-top box through the post with no idea of how to install it.

Commenting, he said:

"I am pleased that the supplier of the help scheme has been chosen and I hope that this will now enable the wheels to be put in motion to allow the scheme to start operating for viewers in the Borders. This is long overdue.

"I am also pleased to hear that Digital UK has launched a new initiative aimed at bringing together charitable organisations working in the Borders to help support local people who may need assistance with switchover but who do not fall within the narrow remit of the help scheme, such as those who are isolated or have learning difficulties.

"It is disappointing that Ministers chose from the outset to divide up the responsibilities for switchover in this way, so that the BBC is responsible for the help scheme whereas Digital UK is responsible for almost every other aspect of switchover. Close working between Eaga and Digital UK on the ground in the Borders will be vital if this is to be a success, and I will be seeking an urgent meeting with Eaga to discuss these issues with them."

Mr Moore is also backing calls made by the RNIB for set-top boxes provided as part of the help scheme to include a talking menu. At present, blind and partially sighted viewers cannot access on-screen menus and the electronic programme guide. Ministers initially thought that a talking menu would be too costly because of the extra speed and memory needed. However, emerging technology has now resolved these concerns. Mr Moore has written to the Government urging them to include this facility in the set-top boxes provided for viewers in the Borders.