From next week it will be far easier for millions of UK internet consumers to access cheaper broadband. Most of Britain's larger Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are already offering cheaper discounts for families in receipt of benefits like Universal Credit - but many are not taking advantage of the bargain deals.
Recent statistics show that just 1.2 percent of eligible parties have taken up ISPs on cut-price packages, with entitlement confusion as well as the hassle of proving that benefits are being claimed being a couple of reasons why people are not taking up more affordable plans. As reported by The Express, this may all about to change, with a new Department for Work and Pensions scheme coming into play next week - which allows ISPs to do all of the intricate groundwork for customers across the UK.
From August 22, the only thing a UK broadband consumer must do is tell their ISP that they wish to be considered for a reduced-price plan, with the provider then verifying whether or not the customer is in receipt of a suitable benefit. The new system will also allow the process to become simplified, by removing the need to customers to provide proof of entitlement as regularly as every month.
Read more: Energy bill calculator shows how much you could be paying when price cap increases
Some significant savings can be had with major firms like BT, Sky and Virgin Media - who offer plans from as little as £15 per month. This is far cheaper than the standard tariffs which usually start in the ball park of £25 per month.
Speaking about the changes, Digital Secretary Nadine Dorries, said: "Social tariffs are vital for families struggling with bills, keeping them connected even in tough times. Our discussion with broadband companies led to the range of social tariffs on the market today and we've secured a raft of new cost-of-living commitments from them to ensure help is available for anyone that needs it.
"I urge anyone concerned about falling behind on payments to contact their supplier to see what support is available."
Here's what you could be paying if you are eligible:
BT Home Essentials • £15 a month - 36Mbps speeds
Virgin Media Essentials • £15 a month - 15Mbps speeds
Sky Basics • £20 a month - 36Mbps speeds
NOW Basics • £20 a month - 36Mbps speeds
Hyperoptic Fair Fibre • £15 a month - 50Mbps speeds
The DWP’s new system will be able to verify entitlement for Universal Credit, Pension Credit, Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance and Income-related Employment Support Allowance. If you claim or are in receipt or any of these, then you should be able to slash your broadband bills from next week onward.
Read next:
- Council to submit £57 million bid to 'unlock city's potential'
- 'Unanswered questions' over death of 'amazing' 26-day-old baby
- Amazon shoppers urged to check orders as postage charges add huge amounts to bills
- Pubgoer drowned in River Leen during night out
- The latest shopping news from Nottinghamshire Live
