More than 400 people jailed for not paying TV licence last year

The number of people jailed for failing to pay their TV licence increased by more than 50% last year.

A total of 411 people were sent to prison for the offence in 2013, compared to 272 for 2012.

Six years ago, just 49 people were jailed.

Brendan Hennessy from St Vincent De Paul's Social Policy believes the punishment is too harsh for the crime.

“People on low income need payment plans and so on that make things like a TV licence affordable, even it’s over a longer term”

“Government needs to recognise the vulnerability of so many people who, since the recession, have found themselves in a situation that was not of their making, who would like to do their best, but often can’t.”