Social tariffs for broadband

That this House recognises the benefits of discounted broadband tariffs for consumers on low incomes or with special social needs; acknowledges that there is currently no mandatory requirement for broadband or mobile providers to offer social tariffs; notes that the amendments to the Communications Act 2003 that came into force in December 2020 mean that Ofcom now has powers, with Government direction, to consider the need for industry-wide social tariffs for particular groups of customers; further notes that, if social tariffs were made mandatory, over 7 million households could potentially benefit from having the cost of bills reduced; and calls on the Government to direct Ofcom to instate mandatory and universal broadband and mobile social tariffs for vulnerable consumers.