The BIG switch off

ONE million people closed their internet accounts in the last year as the cost of living crisis left them unable to afford it.

And people receiving Universal Credit are six times more likely to have switched off their connection compared to non-claimants, according to new research from Citizens Advice

The charity is concerned the problem could get worse, with people claiming the benefit four times more likely to be behind on broadband bills

People on Universal Credit are among customers who should be eligible for discounted social tariffs to help them stay connected

However, as uptake of these tariffs is currently just 5%, the charity claims these important discounts aren’t reaching those who need it

The latest figures from Ofcom show 95% of the 4 3m eligible households are missing out on saving £200 on broadband costs each year –equivalent to £824m of support going unclaimed

Dame Clare Moriarty, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “People are being priced out of internet access at a worrying rate

“As providers continue to drag their feet in making social tariffs a success, it’s clear that Ofcom needs to hold firms’ feet to the fire ”