Millions missing out on utility bill support worth up to £900 – here’s how to claim

Millions missing out on utility bill support worth up to £900 – here’s how to claim Debt to water, energy and broadband firms has reached more than £7 billion - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Millions of households are missing out on support for essential bills like water, energy and broadband, the public spending watchdog has found, despite debt to firms climbing to more than £7 billion The National Audit Office (NAO) says that only a third of eligible broadband customers and 39 per cent of water customers who are struggling to pay their bills are aware of social tariffs – discounted offers available to those who are vulnerable or on low incomes The report examined how Ofcom, Ofwat and Ofgem support consumers in vulnerable circumstances and whether people can access the help they need from providers of essential services. It concluded that regulators are not aligning their performance measurements with actual consumer experiences and outcomes. The findings come as the TUC calls for emergency social tariff to shield households from “punishing costs” of the ongoing US-Iran war. The scheme proposed by the union body would take £559 off bills each year, it claims, paid for by increasing the windfall tax on banks. Altogether, social tariffs can save over £900 a year compared to the national average. Here’s a guide to what’s currently on offer in the UK: Energy A number of energy suppliers offer help for those struggling with their energy bills. These include British Gas, Scottish Power, EDF, E.ON, OVO and Octopus. It is worth contacting your energy provider to find out if you are eligible. Some also offer free devices like electric blankets for households with vulnerable residents to keep warm. Get a free fractional share worth up to £100. Capital at risk. Terms and conditions apply. ADVERTISEMENT Get a free fractional share worth up to £100. Capital at risk. Terms and conditions apply. ADVERTISEMENT Ofgem’s energy price cap will increase by £221 a year to £1,862 from July, the energy regulator Ofgem has confirmed. The 13 per cent increase marks the highest level in over two years, triggered by spiking oil prices caused by the US-Iran war. The energy price cap is the maximum amount suppliers can charge for each unit of energy to those on a standard variable tariff, which includes most households. It is expressed as an annual bill for an average home. Responding to the NAO report, Ofgem said: “Energy debt remains a major challenge, and we are taking action to reset how it is managed. “We continue to work with government on a targeted Debt Relief Scheme to address historical debt, alongside reforming the process people follow when they move house and set up energy accounts to avoid debt building up. “We are also challenging suppliers to do more – including prioritising accurate billing and early engagement to offer fair, affordable repayment plans, and ensuring they are meeting the needs of the most vulnerable customers.” Water For water, every company operating in the UK has a social tariff by law. However, the amount on offer can vary between regions and, because water providers can’t be chosen like energy providers, the support has been criticised as a “postcode lottery”. For instance, some offer as much as 90 per cent off bills, while others cap support at a 20 per cent reduction. To find out what support a local water company offers, those living in its area can check on its website or contacting the helpline. In all cases, households will need to be deemed to be on a low income and/or in receipt of certain benefits. Responding to the NAO report, an Ofwat spokeswoman said: “We know there is more progress that needs to be made to drive better outcomes for consumers, particularly those experiencing vulnerability and during supply incidents. “Protecting consumers who need extra help remains a key priority for Ofwat, and we continue to work with Defra to improve outcomes for customers in this period of reform of the water sector.” Broadband Around 5.3 million UK households are eligible for the lower tariff, research by Broadband Genie found earlier this year, but around 4.8 million aren’t currently claiming. This means £1.05bn is “left on the table,” the broadband experts say, urging those who may be eligible to look into the scheme. There are several social tariffs currently on the market. BT has three offerings for people depending on their income and needs, called the ‘Home Essentials’ tariff. Other big-name providers offering social broadband tariffs include Now, Sky, Virgin and Vodaphone, all costing £20 a month at most. There are also some smaller-name providers that offer social tariffs that aren’t available nationwide. This includes Community Fibre, Hyperoptic, and Kcom. Around £24bn of support in tariffs like these and benefits is estimated to go unclaimed in 2025/26, according to research unit Policy in Practice. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments