I wish to clarify that the BBC, not the Government, decided to transfer the contract for over-the-counter TV Licensing services from the Post Office to PayPoint.

The decision was taken to deliver the best value possible and provide a service that would enable licence payers to pay for their licence in a convenient and accessible way.

The BBC expects to save more than £100 million during the life of the six-year contract, which will be put directly into programmes and services.

There are already more PayPoint outlets (more than 18,000) than post office branches across the country and this number is set to rise throughout 2007. Furthermore, Pay- Point outlets are open for an average of 100 hours per week, 98 per cent are open on Sundays, and 79 per cent are open from 9am to 8pm. People wanting more information about the location of their nearest PayPoint outlet can call 0870 8507846 or visit www.paypoint.co.uk/locator

We want to make it as easy as possible for people to pay for their TV licence, so, in addition to paying at a PayPoint outlet, there are many other ways to pay. More people are choosing to pay by direct debit, now used by more than 12 million licence fee payers, or via the TV Licensing website, while others choose to pay by using a debit or credit card over the phone or by putting a cheque in the post.

If any of your readers would like further information on the concessions or payment schemes available, they can visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk or contact TV Licensing on 0844 8006732.

  • Pipa Doubtfire, BBC TV Licensing, Wood Lane, London