Debbie Abrahams MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, commenting on the Second Reading of the Digital Economy Bill, said:

“The state has always been the guardian of our social security system, ensuring that it remains accountable to the electorate. By transferring responsibility for the payment of TV licenses for over-75s from the Department of Work and Pensions to the BBC, this Bill creates a dangerous, new precedent.“

"Who will be able to guarantee that this budget will be protected in the future? This is a slippery slope towards further outsourcing of a social security system under siege.” 

ENDS