Millions Eligible for Discounted Water, Phone, and Broadband Bills
Quick Look
- Millions of people are eligible for discounted social tariffs on water, phone, and broadband bills, but many are unaware of the available help.
- These tariffs, designed for those struggling to pay, require customers to contact their supplier and provide benefit details.
- While water suppliers in England and Wales offer these, gas and electricity providers have alternative support schemes.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Social tariffs are discounted rates offered by utility and communication companies to customers who are on certain benefits and may struggle to pay their bills. These are not temporary promotions but lower rates for the same service.
Water, phone and broadband companies are willing to give millions of people discounted deals on their bills.
Social tariffs - sometimes known as essential, or basic, tariffs - can reduce bills for people on various benefits. Generally, you only need to ask your supplier to get on one.
Importantly, they are not price promotions designed to attract customers, but lower bills for the same service for those who would otherwise struggle to pay.
Most people who have fallen behind on paying their bills are unaware this help is available, a major report has suggested.
These tariffs vary between suppliers and the lower cost of them is often covered by higher bills for everyone else.
Getting one does require you to get in touch with your supplier and provide some evidence - but that does not take very long.
If your name is on the contract and you receive benefits such as universal credit, or pension credit, then companies may be able to give you a discounted deal.
If yours is on the list, and you are eligible, then you can switch free of charge, and it won't cost to leave the contract either.
For water bills, every supplier in England and Wales has a social tariff - but who is eligible and the level of support varies between them. The consumer group for water customers has a list.
To apply, you generally need to provide some proof, such as details of the benefits you receive.
Scottish Water does not offer a social tariff, but there are other options available. In Northern Ireland, people are helped through the Community Care Register.
Social tariffs are not available on household gas and electricity bills - despite pressure from some, including regulator Ofgem, for their introduction.
Instead, suppliers offer a host of support schemes if you are struggling to pay, or are likely to find it difficult.
The trade body for the sector, Energy UK, has a list of these schemes. But it stresses that companies can often only help if you get in touch with your supplier to tell them you are unable to pay.
Open Questions
- How many people are unaware of these tariffs?
- What is the exact eligibility criteria for each supplier?
- What are the 'other options' for Scottish Water customers?
