Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to her announcement of 27 June 2022 on the telecoms industry's agreement to a new cost-of-living plan, what data she used to determine that social tariffs are available across 99 per cent of the UK.

On Monday 27 June, 2022, leaders of the UK’s major fixed broadband, landline and mobile operators agreed with the government a set of commitments designed to support households through the global rise in the cost-of-living.

Social tariffs are available to those claiming Universal Credit, and a number of providers also accept those in receipt of other means-tested benefits. The commitments also offer help to any household struggling with their bills. Ofcom’s Affordability report from February 2022 showed that one in five UK households have an affordability issue with their communication service (landline, broadband, mobile and Pay TV), and we hope that the commitments we reached with industry will help all households who may be struggling with their costs during this difficult time.

We anticipate a period of transition as staff are trained and processes put in place, but the measures agreed with industry are available now, so people should feel confident in contacting their operator if they require assistance. The Government has also committed to work with providers to assist them raise awareness of social tariffs. To support the sector, the government is also developing eligibility checking software which will allow a faster, more efficient application process. We expect these workstrands to conclude over the summer.

Social Tariffs are available from BT, Virgin Media O2, Sky, Now Broadband, Vodafone, Hyperoptic, Country Connect, Broadband for the Rural North, G Networks, Air Broadband, and KCOM - the government has determined that social tariffs are available in 99% of the UK.