Social tariffs for broadband

That this House recognises positive impact of discounted broadband tariffs for consumers on low incomes or with special social needs, especially during a cost-of-living crisis; acknowledges that there is currently no mandatory requirement for broadband or mobile providers to offer social tariffs; notes that with the amendments to the Communications Act 2003 that came in force in December 2020, Ofcom has the power to consider the need for industry-wide social tariffs for disadvantaged groups of customers, with direction from the Government; further notes that if social tariffs were made mandatory, over 7 million households could potentially benefit from having the cost of bills reduced; acknowledges that just 1 per cent of potentially eligible households are taking advantage of social tariffs, which is often a result of lack of awareness around discounted offers; calls on the Government to direct Ofcom to instate mandatory and universal broadband and mobile social tariffs for vulnerable consumers and to take steps to improve the advertisement of current social tariffs on offer.