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Written question asked by Gordon McKee (Labour) on Monday, 13 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 July 2026 (named day). It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Thursday, 16 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Broadband: Social Tariffs

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking with the Department for Work and Pensions and Ofcom to identify people eligible for broadband social tariffs and notify them automatically of that eligibility.

Answer

There are currently around 36 social tariffs with at least one of these being available across 99% of the UK. Government's approach has been to work with industry and Ofcom to improve awareness, simplify access, and support switching to cheaper deals and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology continues to work with Ofcom to monitor take-up of social tariffs.

The Government has taken steps to increase uptake among eligible households. In February 2026, Government secured commitments from major telecoms providers through the Telecoms Consumer Charter, which requires providers to proactively signpost social tariffs to eligible customers and make them easier to find.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
18281
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Broadband Eligibility Social tariffs
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk