Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Broadband: Social Tariffs

Wednesday 14 June 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government recognises the issue of social tariffs and notes that 21 broadband providers cover 99% of the UK.
  • Government aims to encourage the take-up of social tariffs among eligible customers, reporting a fourfold increase since January 2022.
  • Government will look into a specific case of compensation for broadband outages in Lichfield to advise affected customers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
Science & Technology
Context

The question arises from the ongoing challenge of affordable broadband access for low-income families. Social tariffs are offered by most providers, but not all.

Question

I am concerned about whether you plan to encourage all broadband providers to offer social tariffs to help struggling households in North Shropshire and across the country.

Answer from John Whittingdale

The Government recognise this issue; currently, 21 broadband providers offer social tariffs covering 99% of the UK. We continue to urge remaining providers to implement such tariffs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans or commitments were not detailed beyond urging existing providers.

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Q2 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
Science & Technology
Context

The roll-out of Project Gigabit is anticipated but concerns exist over the provision of social tariffs for less affluent rural residents.

Question

My constituents in North Shropshire eagerly await Project Gigabit's roll-out, yet many are not well-off and broadband is essential. Will you explain what steps will be taken to ensure that the provider offers social tariffs?

Answer from John Whittingdale

The vast majority of providers already offer social tariffs. We aim to encourage take-up among eligible customers, noting a fourfold increase since January 2022.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Steps specifically for Project Gigabit were not detailed beyond general encouragement.

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Q3 Michael Fabricant Con
Science & Technology
Context

There was a recent break in broadband circuits in Lichfield, and no offer of compensation was made to subscribers.

Question

This issue is not just about social tariffs; it also concerns when the broadband system goes down. Recently there was a circuit break in Lichfield with no offer of compensation to subscribers. What are your views on this?

Answer from John Whittingdale

Schemes exist to provide compensation for lengthy take-outs, and I will look at the specific Lichfield case to advise affected customers.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific views or commitments on compensation were not detailed beyond mentioning existing schemes.

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