PayPoint, the UK’s leading payment collection network, is to become the sole provider of TV Licensing’s over-the-counter licence payment services across the UK.

PayPoint has been collecting certain types of licence payment for the BBC since 1997, but from 31 July PayPoint will be the sole collector of TV Licensing payments. Under the new contract, awarded by the BBC as a result of a recent competitive tender, PayPoint will now be able to offer a range of payment solutions, including:

• Accepting payments made with the new TV Licensing Saving Card
• Issuing new TV licenses
• Providing short term TV licences
• Continuing to issue TV licence renewals
• Continuing to accept payments made for Cash Easy Entry payment schemes for those on income related state benefits.

PayPoint will be working closely with its retail partners to fully brief them on the new procedures and will be guiding them through the transition process.

PayPoint’s network of 15,000 outlets across the UK is already larger than that of the Post Office which has 14,585 sites (source: Postwatch) and has plans to grow to 17,000 outlets by 2007. PayPoint outlets are normally open longer hours than Post Offices and are located in local neighbourhoods making payment more convenient and easier than ever before.

Mike Igoe, PayPoint Retail Director said: “We are thrilled to be entering a new phase of our working relationship with TV Licensing. It’s a significant gain for PayPoint, which will not only offer the customer a more convenient way to manage their TV Licensing payments, but it will give retailers an impressive opportunity to boost revenue and increase customer footfall.”

Pipa Doubtfire, Head of Revenue Management at the BBC said: “This contract will provide better value for the licence payer and will enable the BBC to put more money into programmes.  PayPoint offers a convenient way of paying for a TV licence if people want to buy one ‘over the counter’ rather than through the website, by phone or by post.  We aim to make it as easy as possible for people to buy a TV licence which is why we offer many different ways to pay. 

“People don’t need to take any action at the moment. We will be writing to everyone who has purchased a licence using stamps in the last year to explain what will happen next and provide them with a savings card by the end of June. We have set up a recorded information helpline to answer questions people may have on 0870 850 6709 (24 hours) from 1 April.”

Ends –

Enquiries:

Kate Simpson
020 7553 4104

kate.simpson@mischiefpr.com

BBC Press Office 020 8576 1865

Notes to Editor:

PayPoint is a leading branded payment collection network used, primarily, for the cash payment of bills and services and prepayments for mobile telephones and energy meters. There are over 15,000 retail outlets using PayPoint’s payment terminals.

PayPoint began trading in 1996.   It now has more than 500 clients including many of the UK and Ireland’s major energy, cable, mobile and fixed line telephony companies. Its blue chip client list also extends to numerous water companies, local authorities and housing associations and a growing transport and travel base.