The Ofcom Consumer Panel today welcomed the Culture, Media and Sport Committee�s (DCMS) recommendation that high priority and a grassroots action plan to help vulnerable people is needed in the delivery of digital switchover.

Responding to the Committee�s �Analogue Switch-Off� report, the independent Consumer Panel reiterated the urgency with which the needs of socially isolated people should be addressed.

In a report to the Secretary of State over ten months ago, the Panel warned that vulnerable consumers who do not benefit from the support of friends, families or carers to help them, must be given practical support to enable them to participate in the digital switchover.

Colette Bowe, Chairman of the Ofcom Consumer Panel who gave evidence to the Select Committee enquiry commented:

�The reality is that many people rely on family and friends to help them choose and use complicated new TV equipment. In our report, we set out a model of practical support for socially isolated people to be delivered by local grassroots organisations. If the Government and Digital UK act on our recommendations, it will help to protect people who don�t have access to help from going without television when the analogue signal is switched off.

She continued:

�We therefore wholeheartedly welcome the Select Committee�s view that current plans for practical support for all citizens must be reviewed as a matter of urgency.�