Supplementary memorandum submitted by
Astra GB
Following your invitation, ASTRA GB welcomes
the opportunity to provide more specific evidence on the issue
of Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs) to the Committee's inquiry into
the Government's proposals to switch off analogue terrestrial
television broadcasts over the period 2008-12.
ASTRA GB hopes that this additional submission
builds on the constructive and valuable suggestions that have
been made during the recent oral evidence sessions and that this
will continue to aid the Committee's inquiry.
Without a city centre trial, ASTRA GB believes
that the significant implications for residents of Multiple Dwelling
Units will remain poorly assessed and the appropriate measures
that need to be taken to ensure the Government objectives will
be unfilled.
1. ASTRA GB is concerned about the serious
implications for those living in Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs)
in urban areas. We believe that this group of people are most
likely to be adversely affected by analogue switch-off. Action
must be taken to ensure that landlords, in particular those in
the private sector, take immediate steps to ensure residents have
access to digital services of choice. Residents in MDUs are almost
entirely reliant on the goodwill of their landlords, in ensuring
that they have access to the most basic of digital services once
the switch off has taken place. Clearly there will be market pressure
on landlords to ensure that their properties are compliant, but
in disadvantaged areas, or where there are absentee landlords,
a clear determination needs to be made in terms of responsibility
on this issue.
2. ASTRA GB estimates that in the UK around
4.5 million households (20% of all households) are MDUs. The Committee
has heard evidence during the inquiry that of this 20% a substantial
number of households live in social housing and therefore the
issue will be resolved by the relevant RSLs. ASTRA GB is concerned
about the lack of information and financial support on offer to
RSLs apart from that being provided by Sky Homes.
3. ASTRA GB believes the most effective
way to ensure residents in social and affordable housing have
access to a choice of services is to upgrade the provisions of
the Decent Home Standard to include an obligation on RSLs to provide
access. ASTRA GB recognises the Government's commitment to ensure
all council and housing association housing is decent by 2010
and notes the intention that this should include access to reasonably
modern facilities. ASTRA GB contends that this should include
access to a full range of digital services. For example, in Berlin
where switchover has taken place, landlords are obliged to pay
for the necessary upgrade if the furnished accommodation comes
with a TV set included.
4. The Committee has heard that special
attention will be given to resolving issues that may arise at
hospitals and care homes. ASTRA GB welcomes this move but remains
primarily concerned that the issues for those living in privately
rented Multiple Dwelling Units remain neglected.
5. ASTRA GB believe that only through a
trial in an urban area can a full assessment of the understanding
of the implications for residents in MDUs, including the need
for incentives, advice and support for social and private landlords
be assessed. Furthermore this would allow for an assessment of
residents' experiences and feedback on the availability and access
to services and the conditions of technical equipment such as
existing aerials.
6. Given the existing difficulties for residents
in MDUs, ASTRA GB believes that a legal requirement on private
landlords (in addition to upgrading the Decent Homes Standard)
must be given by the Government to ensure appropriate action takes
place; otherwise residents of MDUs will find themselves unable
to access services. ASTRA GB is convinced that an extension of
the Decent Homes Standard would be crucial first step in this
direction for those in the social/affordable sector.
7. ASTRA GB believes the Government cannot
rely on market forces to ensure action is taken given the relatively
short time frame and the plans to turn off the analogue signal
which means ultimately that residents do not have a choice but
to switch to digital services.
8. In order to meet the television viewing
demands of residents in MDUs, ASTRA GB strongly supports the concept
of Integrated Reception Systems (IRS). It is only through this
system that householders in privately and socially rented MDUs
will be offered a full choice in term of services, including terrestrial
and satellite transmissions as well as FM radio and Digital Audio
Broadcasting (DAB) services. Importantly, the IRS system is appropriate
for any kind of MDU and the basic concept can be extended from
a handful of households to many hundreds.
9. The IRS system is the only way to ensure
that the Government fulfils its objectives in terms of offering
residents of MDUs choice in terms of digital services. ASTRA GB
therefore believes the Government must recommend the IRS systems
to landlords of privately rented and social/affordable housing.
12 January 2006
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