Internet ‘out of reach’ to hard-up households

Up to a million people have cut off their broadband in the last year as the cost-ofliving crisis left them unable to afford it, a survey suggests.

Those on Universal Credit were six times more likely to have stopped their broadband in the last 12 months than those who are not receiving the benefit amid rising bills, Citizens Advice found.

Those claiming Universal Credit but still paying for broadband are also more than four times more likely to be behind on their bills, according to the charity and it warned that the increasingly essential service was becoming “out of reach” for more households.

Itsaysthat,whilethoseon Universal Credit are among customers who should be eligible for discounted social tariffs to help them stay connected, uptake of the lower rates is just five per cent.

Ofcom figures show 95% of 4.3million eligible households are missing out on saving £200 on broadband costs each year – leaving £824m of support going unclaimed.

Citizens Advice chief executiveDameClareMoriarty said:"Peoplearebeingpriced out of internet access at a worrying rate.

"Social tariffs should be the industry's safety net, but firms' current approach to providing and promoting them clearly isn't working. The people losing out as a result are the most likely to disconnect.

"Theinternetisnowanessential part of our lives – vital to managing bills, accessing benefits and staying in touch with loved ones.

"As providers continue to drag their feet in making social tariffs a success, it's clear that Ofcom needs to hold firms' feet to the fire."