ESSEX County Council has kicked off the next phase of its social broadband tariff campaign with a digital and cost-of-living event in Harlow.

Residents in receipt of Universal Credit could save up to £202 a year on their broadband bills by switching to a social broadband tariff.

Social tariffs offer fixed prices, which can take away the stress of mid-contract increases or surprise payments.  

The event, at the Harvey Centre in Harlow on Monday 11 September, saw local organisations come together to support residents. 

Offerings included free skills courses, access to digital opportunities, and cost-of-living support.

Run by the council’s Digital Essex team, the event also included the local Jobcentre Plus, Citizens Advice and Bright Futures at Harlow College.

Councillor Louise McKinlay, Essex County Council Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Levelling Up and the Economy, said: “It was fantastic to see the Harlow community come together in unity at this one-of-a-kind event.

“Families without access to an affordable broadband connection not only face isolation, but could lose an average of £286 a month by missing out on opportunities to secure the best prices and save money.  

“Harlow has been highlighted as a key area for Levelling Up in Essex and this event is a testament to how the community can come together to bridge the digital divide and help all Essex residents to thrive in the modern world.”

Ali Firth, Digital Inclusion Project Lead at West Essex Community Action Network (WECAN), said: “This was an amazing event where we shared our digital inclusion project, Digital Share, which supports people who are digitally excluded by providing skills training, data, and devices. Digital exclusion is a huge problem in Harlow, so it’s been hugely beneficial meeting the local community to see how we can support.”

Find out about Digital Share at www.digitalshare.org.