Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate she has made of the (a) one-off and (b) ongoing costs to households, including those with low incomes and in fuel poverty, of a switch-off of the digital terrestrial television network, including (i) new set-top boxes, (ii) new televisions, (iii) broadband subscriptions and (iv) any installation/IT support for vulnerable households.

The Government recognises the vital role television plays in the lives of people across the UK and the impact that the discontinuation of digital terrestrial television may have on those at risk of digital and social exclusion, including those with low incomes and in fuel poverty.

The future of digital terrestrial television is secured in legislation until at least 2034. In considering the availability of services beyond this point, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the voluntary sector, and industry to ensure all aspects of digital inclusion are considered at every stage of the decision making process.