We must raise awareness of social tariffs, says guest blogger Julia Lopez MP, Minister for Media, Data, and Digital Infrastructure

From streaming to shopping, to keeping in touch with loved-ones online, digital technologies shape almost every aspect of our day-to-day lives. And the need for fast, reliable and affordable internet and phone packages has never been clearer.

We know people are worried about the cost of living, so over the last few months, this
government has been working hard to put support in place for households – from help with childcare costs to support for winter fuel bills.

We’ve worked with telecoms firms to develop cheaper broadband and mobile phone
schemes for people on low incomes and in receipt of government benefits.

These deals, called ‘social tariffs’, are available right now to people claiming Universal
Credit, Pension Credit and some other benefits.

If you know someone who is struggling to afford broadband and phone, you can help them to act today by encouraging them to pick up the phone to their provider or simply searching online

With some of the UK’s largest providers offering these deals for as little as £10 per month it means a simple switch could lead to a saving of around £180 against the average yearly cost of broadband.

Social tariffs are now available in 99 per cent of the UK. They are reliable, consistent and come with guaranteed speeds. Eligible customers nationwide could benefit today from reduced prices on their broadband and mobile bills.

Despite this, a report from the regulator Ofcom last September found that only 31 per cent of people eligible were aware that social tariffs were available, with millions of households potentially missing out.

I met with broadband and mobile companies in November to get their assurances they will do all they can to promote their social tariffs packages to existing and prospective customers.

But we know that’s just one piece of the puzzle. That’s why we’ve partnered with charities, local councils and Jobcentres nationwide to make sure people eligible are aware of the deals available to them so they have the information they need to be able to find out more.

That includes advisors, like you, working day-in-day out in communities to offer financial
advice to local residents.

We’re calling on those partners to continue to support us in this work on the ground, raising awareness of social tariffs and the positive impact they could have on people’s monthly household bills.

So if you know someone who is struggling to afford their broadband and phone services, you can help them to act today by encouraging them to pick up the phone to their provider or simply searching online to find out more.

The public can find out more about social tariffs and whether they are eligible by visiting Ofcom.org.uk/cheap-broadband. And find out more about current support schemes to help with the cost of living here.

Main image: Vlada Karpovich / Pexels