26 people in Doncaster still watching black and white TV

It may be hard to believe more than fifty years after colour television was introduced in the UK, but according to the statistics from TV Licensing, a handful of local residents are still steadfastly watching programmes in monochrome.

They are among more than 9,000 people in the UK who still have a black and white licence.

Despite the switchover to digital transmissions and an increase in the use of HD televisions as well as tablets and smart-phones to access TV content, some Doncaster households are shunning the attractions of 21st Century technology.

The number of black and white licences issued each year has, however, steadily been declining.

In 2000 there were 212,000 black and white TV Licences in place, but by 2003 that number had shrunk to 93,000 and in 2006 the number stood at less than 50,000.

Matthew Thompson , spokesperson for TV Licensing, said: “It’s astounding that more than 26 households in Doncaster still watch on a black and white telly, especially now that over half of homes access TV content over the internet, on smart TVs. Whether you have the latest 4K TV or a black and white set from the 1970s, however, if you are watching or recording live television, then you do need a TV licence.”

According to this year’s figures, London leads the way in black and white sets followed by Birmingham and Manchester.

The cost of a black and white TV Licence remains frozen at £49 until BBC Charter Review in 2016. A colour licence costs £145.50. A TV Licence is needed if you’re watching or recording programmes at the same time as they’re shown on TV, and can be bought online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info.