Social broadband tariffs

Uswitch finds low take up of social tariffs

I think the majority of us consider internet access as a basic requirement, if not even a human right. Indeed, as government, health and other service providers all nudge us towards online communications, frequently with no other option available, its essential nature is hard to argue.

So I was surprised to learn from research by Uswitch that only 5% of those households eligible are taking advantage of special social tariffs which provide cheaper broadband.

As the cost of living crisis continues to hit millions of Brits, those on low incomes struggling to afford their broadband bills could be entitled to savings of up to £257.88 a year with the help of social tariffs.
 

Households on universal credit could save

Only 5.1% of households receiving Universal Credit (UC) currently benefit from discounted broadband through social tariffs, which could see their monthly bills drop from around £34.99 per month to just £13.50.

Now new analysis shows that some local areas in England could be forfeiting up to £60.2 million in potential savings every year, considering the number of residents that are eligible but not on a tariff.
 

Analysis across local authorities in England

The research by the Uswitch broadband experts has analysed all local authorities in England to identify areas where households are missing out on social broadband support the most. Using the national social tariff take-up rate of 5.1% among those on universal credit, the data uncovers how many residents per local authority are unknowingly overspending on their broadband.

At the top end of the scale, Birmingham recorded 245,861 residents on Universal Credit in October 2025. Based on the national average uptake of the social tariff (5.1%), only 12,539 are estimated to be signed up.

This leaves 233,322 eligible but not yet on the tariff, which, when multiplied by the average annual saving of £257.88 per person on Universal Credit, represents £60.2 million in yearly unclaimed relief (or £50.83 per person across the entire population).
 

Max Beckett, Uswitch broadband expert, comments on the findings:

“For families already feeling the pressure of everyday costs, spending an extra £21.49 a month on broadband takes £257.88 a year out of budgets that are already stretched thin.

“Social tariffs are a way to get broadband if you’re receiving Universal Credit or another type of financial support. They’re typically much cheaper than the standard monthly rate for the service and are reserved for these customers to help them afford the usual monthly price of a broadband connection. They’re still the same speed and quality as other home broadband deals, but the monthly cost is lower, you won’t be tied into a contract, and you won’t be subject to any price increases.

“Our research found that two-thirds of financially vulnerable households don’t even know these low-income broadband tariffs exist[4], meaning thousands could be paying more than they need to for an essential service. For many, every pound counts, and simply spreading awareness of these discounts could make a real difference to household budgets”.

Are you eligible?

For further information on social tariffs and to check whether you’re eligible, Uswitch has a helpful guide: How to get low-income broadband on Universal Credit (external link will open in a new browser tab or window). The guide covers which households qualify, how much you could save, plus tips on how to sign up for a discounted plan.
 

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