ESSEX County Council is raising awareness of discounted broadband deals for residents who receive benefits.

As we move into the colder months and face record-high living costs, several broadband providers are offering social tariffs to help low-income households stay digitally connected.

Residents who receive Universal Credit or other benefits could save up to £144 a year on their broadband bills. Find out more at www.essex.gov.uk/broadband.

According to the media watchdog Ofcom, only 3.2 per cent of eligible households in the UK are taking advantage of these deals – and could be missing out on savings.

Lack of access to affordable connectivity is a leading cause of digital exclusion, which Essex County Council’s Digital Essex programme is working to overcome, together with key partners.

Cllr Lesley Wagland OBE, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, said: “It is vital that our residents can take advantage of digital opportunities, and providing an affordable connection is a key part of this.

“We want to make as many residents as possible aware of social broadband tariffs, so those who are eligible can benefit from staying digitally connected and access online services and employment opportunities.”

Over the coming months, Digital Essex will be engaging with communities in Essex County Council’s priority Levelling Up areas, to help reach residents who may benefit from these deals.

Cllr Louise McKinlay, Essex County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community, Equality, Partnerships and Performance, said: “It’s so important for our communities to be digitally connected, but we know that a lack of affordability is one of the barriers to getting online.

“These low-cost broadband deals for eligible households are very welcome and could help struggling families to stay online at this challenging time.”