Economy Energy Policy

Millions Of People Can Get Discounts On Their Bills — Here’s How

Millions can qualify for social tariffs on water, broadband, and phone bills. This article explains how to apply, who qualifies, and where to find official guidance.

Flavor News Editorial Desk 2 min read
People review options for adapting to rising bills, including social tariffs and support schemes.
People review options for adapting to rising bills, including social tariffs and support schemes.

Market impact

Social tariffs offer a measurable relief channel for households, potentially easing consumer energy and services expenditure.

Why it matters: The coverage and uptake of social tariffs affect household disposable income, consumer spending, and utility sector pricing dynamics.

Key numbers

  • England and Wales social tariffs available across all water
  • Northern Ireland uses Community Care Register
  • Ofcom lists telecom social tariffs

Watch next

  • Household bill affordability trends
  • Regulatory developments on social tariffs
  • Scams targeting bill-discount schemes
Water Telecoms Utilities Water suppliers Ofcom Energy UK Citizens Advice

Millions of water, broadband and phone customers can access discounted deals on their bills through social tariffs, sometimes called essential or basic tariffs. These schemes are designed to lower bills for the same service for those who would otherwise struggle to pay, not as price promotions to attract customers. Generally, you only need to ask your supplier to get onto one.

A major report has highlighted that most people who have fallen behind on paying their bills are unaware this support exists. The tariffs vary by supplier, and the cheaper rate is often offset by higher bills for others. Getting onto a tariff requires contacting the supplier and providing some evidence, though the process is usually quick.

For water, every supplier in England and Wales offers a social tariff, but eligibility and the level of support differ. The consumer group for water customers maintains a list of schemes, and Scottish Water does not offer a social tariff, though other options remain available. In Northern Ireland, help is provided through the Community Care Register. To apply for water tariffs, applicants typically need to show proof of benefits.

For broadband and phone contracts, Ofcom lists social tariffs offered by providers. If your contract is on the list and you are eligible, you can switch without charge, and leaving the contract is free. Social tariffs do not apply to household gas and electricity bills, despite pressure from regulators and others to extend them. Instead, suppliers run a variety of support schemes for those struggling to pay, with guidance from the sector’s trade body, Energy UK, which also maintains a list of these schemes.

Charities such as Citizens Advice can offer independent debt and budgeting advice. But warning notes remain: scams exist, with criminals sending messages that appear official. Do not reply to unsolicited messages or emails.

Overall, social tariffs provide a pathway to lower ongoing bills for eligible households, alongside other support options that can ease short-term financial pressures.