Refunding TV licence fees to pensioners over-75 has cost the government, so far, nearly £900,000.

Free TV licences for the over-75s were re-instated in autumn last year, but the Manx Government has to re-fund the amount paid for the TV licence to the pensioners covered by the provisions.

It is negotiating with the BBC to try to get it to part-fund the scheme.

Nearly 6,000 eligible pensioners over-75 have reclaimed the £147 licence fee since the refund scheme started.

In addition, 596 payments have been made under the accommodation for residential care.

Treasury Minister Alfred Cannan told the House of Keys on Tuesday: ’We have made 6,593 payments worth around £881,470.’

He added that those eligible for the refund included pensioners under-75 who receive income support - about 500 people.

It was not possible to confirm how many households had not claimed a refund, he said. But, as expenditure was higher than anticipated, it was thought there was ’either a full or very near full take-up of this scheme’.

Mr Cannan added the Treasury did not expect to make any savings in the area.

In the UK, the BBC is taking responsibility for funding free TV licences over a three-year period starting in 2018, with the Westminster government contributing two thirds of the cost in 2018-19, but nothing from 2020-21.

In Jersey, the BBC has agreed to partially fund the free TV licences for over-75s.

Mr Cannan was responding to questions tabled by Julie Edge (LibVannin, Onchan).