BLIND people in Swindon are being reminded to claim their 50 per cent reduction on TV licence fees.

There are 39,700 blind concessionary licences in force throughout the UK, with only 116 in Swindon. TV Licensing has joined forces with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) to appeal for anyone registered blind and entitled to a licence fee reduction, registered blind, to come forward.

A blind concession TV licence costs £72.75 for colour and £24.50 for a black and white TV licence.

Carers or family members could also benefit from the concession as once in place the licence covers any equipment used to watch or record television at an address, including TVs, laptops, tablets and games consoles.

Alan Fletcher, chairman of Swindon branch of Guide Dogs, is encouraging blind people to claim the saving.

Alan, from Stratton St Margaret, who has been registered blind since 2005, said: “I think it is great that there is this little bit of help around for visually impaired people and anyone entitled should take on the reduced rate.

“A lot of blind and partially sighted people sighted people enjoy having a television."

“People, as a phrase, will often ask whether a blind or partially sighted person might have seen something on television and they haven’t but they do enjoy hearing it.”

TV licensing and RNIB think the publicity will raise the profile of support available for blind people.

Richard Chapman, TV Licensing south west spokesman, said: “We are pleased to be working with RNIB to ensure everyone eligible for the concession is claiming the discount they are entitled to.

“Anyone who is registered as blind or lives with someone who is, can apply for a blind concession TV licence which is half the price of a full-fee licence.”

Jamie Dormandy, RNIB’s head of customer service and support, said: “Some people with severe sight loss and their families may not be aware that they are eligible to claim a 50 per cent reduction in the cost of their TV licence."

“Television continues to be a popular form of entertainment for many people with sight loss, thanks in part to recent improvements in talking TV programme guides and the increasing range of assistive software for tablets and laptops making it easier than ever to enjoy programmes at the touch of a button.

“We would encourage people registered with severe sight loss to take advantage of the reduced TV licence if they haven’t already done so.”

Anyone with sight problems can get TV Licensing information by email or in Braille, large print or audio by calling 0300 555 0300. An audio podcast about the concession is available online at www.audioboom.com/tvlicensing.