Broadband Social Tariff Scandal: Millions Overpay Due to Lack of Awareness
Millions of people across the United Kingdom are missing out on easy-to-access discounts worth an average of £220 annually on their broadband bills, despite being eligible for these savings, according to recent warnings from industry experts. Research conducted by Broadband Genie reveals that approximately 5.3 million households qualify for lower-cost social tariffs, yet around 4.8 million are not currently claiming them. This oversight results in a staggering £1.05 billion being "left on the table," prompting urgent calls for eligible individuals to investigate the available schemes.
A 'Cost of Living Scandal' in Plain Sight
Georgina Colman, founder of Purpl, a platform dedicated to connecting disabled people with discounts, has described the situation as a "cost of living scandal hiding in plain sight." She emphasized that millions on low incomes, including disabled individuals and those receiving Universal Credit, are overpaying for broadband simply because they are unaware that assistance exists. Broadband social tariffs are typically offered to low-income households or those on specific benefits, with eligibility criteria varying among providers. Many major companies now provide some form of cheaper product to support vulnerable customers.
Available Social Tariffs from Major Providers
Several social tariffs are currently available in the market, with BT leading the way with three distinct offerings under its 'Home Essentials' tariff. These include a plan starting at £16 per month for 12 months of 36Mb broadband for those with no income, a £22 per month option for 36Mb for low-income households, and a £25 per month package for 67Mb speeds, each accompanied by an £11.99 installation fee. Other prominent providers such as Now, Sky, Virgin, and Vodafone also offer social broadband tariffs, with costs capped at £20 per month at most. Additionally, smaller providers like Community Fibre, Hyperoptic, and Kcom provide social tariffs, though these are not available nationwide.
The Critical Need for Broadband as an Essential Service
Ms. Colman further highlighted that broadband is an essential service, and the lack of awareness around social tariffs is failing households that could save approximately £220 yearly. She urged providers to take more proactive steps in informing customers about their entitlements. For disabled people, affordable broadband is not just a convenience but a vital lifeline, enabling them to stay connected with family, access support, manage health, and combat isolation. With disabled individuals already at higher risk of loneliness, pricing them out of broadband access risks severing crucial digital connections in an era where online access is indispensable.
Broader Context of Unclaimed Support
This issue is part of a larger trend of unclaimed support across the UK. According to research unit Policy in Practice, an estimated £24 billion in assistance will go unclaimed in the 2025/26 period due to factors such as stigma, complexity, and lack of awareness. Among these, broadband social tariffs represent the most significant missed opportunity, with Universal Credit claims being the leading unclaimed benefit at £11.1 billion. Experts continue to stress the importance of raising awareness and simplifying access to ensure that eligible households do not miss out on critical financial relief during ongoing cost of living pressures.
