Pensioner charity warns of 'digital divide' over broadband costs

NEARLY half (44 per cent) of older people in Scotland on a low income have struggled to keep up with their broadband bill in the last six months, according to new research.

Commissioned by older people's charity Independent Age, the figures show that of that 44 per cent some 18 per cent found it a constant struggle, and 26 per cent struggled from time to time.

The charity has said that the findings from YouGov commissioned polling raise fears that the cost of living has deepened the ‘digital divide’ and warns that older people in financial hardship may become even more isolated and could face additional costs if they are forced to shut off their internet access.

The survey also found that more than one in three (35 per cent) older people in financial hardship said they are worried they will not be able to pay their broadband bill over the next six months while 36 per cent are currently having to cut back their spending on their internet, phone or TV subscription services a great deal or a fair amount.

Almost one in 10 (nine per cent) have already cancelled broadband and phone services over the winter in an effort to save money and six per cent had already taken this action before the winter began, to save money.

The charity warns that not being able to go online could mean that older people on low incomes are unable to access information about financial entitlements or services, miss out on savings by not being able to search for the best deals and lose vital social connections.

Independent Agge is calling on broadband providers to further promote their social tariffs so that older people in financial hardship are aware that support for their internet costs is available. The charity also believes the government has a role to play in promoting social tariffs as part of the support available during the cost of living crisis.

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband contracts for those receiving means tested benefits, such as Pension Credit (the state pension top-up for those on a low income). However, current take-up is low, with just 5.1 per cent of eligible households using them, and Independent Age say that eligible older people are going without as a result.

Morgan Vine, Head of Policy and Influencing at Independent Age, said: “The choice to engage online shouldn’t be taken away due to cost.

"We’re hearing from people in later life who are struggling to pay their broadband bills, cancelling their services, or making considerable sacrifices to afford this expense, such as going without fresh food.

"Cancelling broadband can mean someone misses out on the best deals, social connections with friends and family or on finding information about financial support they could be entitled to, such as Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance.

“Independent Age is calling on broadband providers to do all they can to support vulnerable customers. We also think the government has a role to play when promoting the options available now and thinking about consistency in the longer term.

"At the moment it’s a confusing picture for older people on low income, with each provider offering different options. While broadband social tariffs are available from most major providers, and can be a great help for those in financial hardship, take up is extremely low.

"Independent Age wants providers to proactively promote their social tariffs and target their activity at all eligible groups, including ensuring older people on a low income are not missed out.”

Details of all available social tariffs can be found on Ofcom’s website at https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/costs-and-billing/social-tariffs#full-list-of-available-tariffs, or people who think they might be eligible can contact their provider to find out more.