Borders MP questions Sky help scheme role

Borders MP Michael Moore has questioned the decision to make Sky the primary provider of digital switchover assistance to vulnerable groups in the region.

The MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk has written to culture secretary Andy Burnham calling for details of the contract between the Switchover Help Scheme and Sky to be made public.

"In making this decision, Sky have been handed an unprecedented marketing opportunity which may or may not be in the public interest," wrote Moore. "It is not clear why the taxpayer should underpin the marketing efforts of a savvy international corporation in this way. Nor is it clear that there are adequate safeguards to ensure that, after the 12 month cooling off period, the Sky sales techniques are appropriate for the vulnerable groups who are eligible for the scheme.

"Given the public interest issues raised by this contract I would urge you to publish the contract details so that we can understand how much Sky will receive (and for what services) and what safeguards and sanctions exist for any stepping over the mark. "

Tony Noakes, chief operating officer of the scheme, said: "The Help Scheme chose Sky as the standard offer because it represents best value for money and a high-quality service for eligible people.

"Everybody who chooses the Help Scheme will get clear information that the Sky option is a free to view offer with no obligation to take up subscription services at any point. People using the Help Scheme in Scottish Borders will be free to choose from a range of other ways of going digital. For example, they will also be able to get a Freeview box delivered at the same low cost as the Sky option, or free for eligible people on benefits, with the option of installation for an extra fee."