Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Internet Access: Low-income Families

Wednesday 15 March 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Minister stated that a range of low-cost social tariffs are available in 99% of the UK for as little as 10 a month.
  • The Minister noted that suppliers with over 50,000 customers must allow people to pay energy bills in cash.
  • The Minister referred a question about the impact of cryptocurrency technologies on low-income households to another Minister.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mark Fletcher
Education Economy Taxation
Context

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Question

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help low-income households access the internet.

Answer from Julia Lopez

We want fantastic connectivity in every part of the UK. We have worked to ensure that a range of low-cost social tariffs are available in 99% of the UK for as little as £10 a month, which is highlighted in our Help for Households campaign and in our work with the Department for Work and Pensions, to make them easier for low-income households to access. We are also working on digital skills with the Department for Education.

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Q2 Mark Fletcher
Social Care Energy
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Question

While we continue to make progress on this front, could the Minister remind utility companies, particularly British Gas, that not everybody has access to a computer and the internet? It would be helpful if its services reflected that.

Answer from Julia Lopez

I thank my hon. Friend for raising his concerns about British Gas. As the digital infrastructure Minister, I want to ensure that everyone has great access to the internet, but he might be interested to know that suppliers with more than 50,000 customers must allow people to pay energy bills in cash or on prepayment, and talk to them over the phone.

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Q3 Alison McGovern Lab Birkenhead
Context

N/A

Question

What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of cryptocurrency technologies on low-income households?

Answer from Julia Lopez

I confess that cryptocurrency is not in my portfolio, but I am happy to refer the hon. Lady to a Minister who may be able to answer that.

Not addressed: Impact of cryptocurrency technologies on low-income households

How: Cryptocurrency Is Not In My Portfolio

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