Broadband bills could be cut for millions of low-income households under Government plans to encourage social tariffs.
Statistics show that only 1.2% of those eligible for a broadband or mobile social tariff have one, which has led to Government calling on providers to promote discounted deals for people on Universal Credit and other benefits.
To help facilitate this, from 23 August 2022, a service from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will allow communication providers to verify (with the customers permission) whether they are in receipt of a qualifying benefit that allows them to subscribe to a broadband social tariff.
The table below sets out a list of packages currently available to County Durham residents (subject to service availability). These offers may change periodically and Ofcom detail the latest UK-wide social tariff packages on their website.
| Package | Price | Average speed | You could qualify if you receive… |
| BT Home Essentials | £15 a month | Up to 67 Mbps | *Various benefits (in and out of work) |
| NOW Broadband Basics | £20 a month | 36 Mbps | Universal Credit or Pension Credit |
| Sky Broadband Basics | £20 a month | 36 Mbps | Universal Credit or Pension Credit |
| Virgin Media Essential Broadband | £12.50 a month | 15 Mbps | Universal Credit |
| VOXI For Now | £10 a month | 5G where available | *Various benefits (in and out of work) |
*Various benefits is likely to include:
- Universal Credit
- Pension Credit
- Income Support
- Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-Related Employment Support Allowance
As an example of the difference in price, BT’s Home Essentials Unlimited Fibre Essential plan provides fibre-based broadband with average speeds of 67 Mbps, and 700 inclusive anytime minutes per month for £15. The equivalent standard broadband package costs £25.99 per month, rising to £30.99 with a phone service.
Subscribing to a social tariff
Contract your chosen provider to discuss your eligibility for a social value tariff. Consumers with an existing contract should discuss the remaining contract period with their current provider before subscribing to a new package.
Ofcom also offer advice if you’re having difficulty paying a bill.
