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

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to help ensure that broadband internet access is affordable for people in receipt of low incomes and benefits; what steps he is taking to encourage the roll out of an affordable social tariff, including allowing consumers to switch providers more easily; and if he will make a statement.

In recent months, we have been working closely with industry to increase the level of affordable provision in the market for low income households. As a result of our engagement with industry, a range of broadband social tariff packages are now available to support those on low incomes or who receive certain income-based benefits. Earlier this month, BT launched a Home Essentials package which will provide fibre and voice services to those on Universal Credit starting at £15 per month. Virgin, Hyperoptic and other providers offer similar packages to assist households on low incomes. Between them, these products are available to 99% of households across the country.

The Government continues to encourage more fixed-line providers to introduce a social tariff and we will continue to monitor the provision in the market. We will keep the House informed of developments in this area.

In December 2020, the Government strengthened Ofcom's consumer protection rules, to ensure that consumers can access the right information to make informed decisions about new services, have stronger contract rights, and switch providers more easily. Ofcom also published its Vulnerability Guide in July 2020, setting out how the sector should support vulnerable households struggling to pay their bills.