Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies is encouraging people on Universal Credit, Pension Credit and other means tested benefits to take advantage of ‘social tariffs’, which are discounted broadband and mobile deals.
The deals start at just £10 per month and can represent a saving of around £180 a year for eligible households, which is around 50% compared to the average cost of broadband.
Social tariffs are available in 99% of the UK, and nearly five million households are eligible for support, but take-up and awareness is not high enough.
James said:
“Social tariffs are discounted broadband and mobile deals for people on Universal Credit and other benefits.
“These tariffs are delivered in the same way as normal packages, just at a lower price. Amid rising living costs, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport have been encouraging more broadband and mobile companies to offer social tariffs to help customers on low incomes.
“A large number of broadband providers now offer discounted social tariff products. However, Ofcom’s Affordability Report in September showed that just 3.1% (136,000) households have so far signed up, and only 30.1% of households know that these offers are available. This means millions of households are missing out on the support.
“I therefore urge people receiving benefits in the Vale of Clwyd to check if they are eligible. First, check if your current provider offers a social tariff; if your provider doesn’t offer a social tariff, you can switch to one that does. Your provider might let you leave your current contract without paying a penalty fee. I am keen to ensure nobody misses out on these discounted deals.”
For more information visit www.ofcom.org.uk/cheap-broadband
