Blind TV users are being urged to take advantage of a concessionary licence that allows 50 per cent off their fee.

Some 413 blind licences have been taken up in south-west London, according to TV Licensing.

The number of such licences issued nationally this year has risen by four per cent and the amount of BBC shows provided with audio description has also increased.

More than 20 per cent of the broadcaster’s output is audio-described – above the 10 per cent target set by Ofcom.

Live-in carers or family members of those who are severely sight impaired can also benefit from the concession.

It costs £72.75 for colour and £24.50 for a black-and-white televisions.

Ben Craig, spokesman for TV Licensing in London and the south east, said: “If you live with someone who is blind, they are entitled to a concessionary TV licence, which is half the price of a full-fee licence.

“This will cover you, as well as anyone else living in your household.

“There is a range of ways to pay - online with a debit or card, monthly or quarterly direct debit, over the counter and by phone or post.”

The most downloaded audio-described show in the last three months was a documentary about Viking settlements, which was downloaded 19,000 times. It was closely followed by Louis Theroux’s Drinking to Oblivion, downloaded 18,000 times.