Broadband providers and charities have called on the government to introduce targeted financial support for low-income households, warning that hundreds of thousands of families cannot afford even the cheapest social tariffs.

A joint statement, coordinated by The Connection Project and backed by organisations including BT, VodafoneThree, Age UK, Citizens Advice and Good Things Foundation, argues that existing social tariffs and competitive broadband prices are insufficient to ensure everyone can afford essential connectivity.

Research by Professor Simeon Yates of the University of Liverpool found that 400,000 households currently without internet access would be unable to afford even the cheapest available social tariff. Around half a million households already benefit from fixed-line broadband social tariffs, which are offered voluntarily by major providers, but many more struggle to meet the cost of connectivity alongside rising food, energy and other essential bills.

The signatories are calling for a new approach, potentially involving government-funded vouchers, discounts or allowances targeted at households least able to pay. They also want any supported service to provide reliable connectivity capable of meeting the basic requirements of modern life, including accessing public services, banking and healthcare.

The organisations argue that broadband has become an essential household service as more government services, employment, education and healthcare move online, leaving those unable to afford a connection at risk of digital exclusion.

Citizens Advice's executive director of partnerships and advocacy, Peter Grigg, said the current approach to social tariffs had failed and called for a government-backed voucher scheme. He warned that some low-income households were cutting back on other essentials to maintain their internet connection.

The signatories said they wanted to work with government to develop practical proposals for a new affordability framework, ensuring that nobody was priced out of the digital world.

Natalie Ceeney, chair of The Connection Project, said: "Government is rightly focused on making life’s essentials affordable. Connectivity needs to be part of that conversation. Competitive prices and social tariffs help, but there’s no single price that every household can afford.

“What’s important about today’s agreement is that broadband providers and charities have come together to recognise the problem and offer to work with government on a solution. We need targeted support that helps the people who need it most, while preserving choice and competition.”

“The Connection Project will continue working with its industry and civil society partners to develop practical proposals for a new approach to broadband affordability, including how support could be targeted at the households most in need.”

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