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<p>The Government recognises that this is a difficult time for families across the
country who are struggling to pay their bills as a result of the global rise in the
cost of living.</p><p>The sector remains highly competitive and UK consumers can currently
access some of the lowest mobile pricing in Western Europe. However, it is important
that contracts are transparent and consumers understand what they are signing when
taking out a new communications service. Ofcom recently <a href="https://www.ofcom.org.uk/news-centre/2023/review-of-inflation-linked-telecoms-price-rises"
target="_blank">announced </a>it has begun a programme of work to consider whether
contracts are sufficiently transparent. I look forward to their findings.</p><p>In
June 2022, leaders from broadband and mobile operators agreed on a set of industry
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/news/telecoms-industry-agrees-to-new-cost-of-living-plan-following-government-summit-led-by-digital-secretary-nadine-dorries"
target="_blank">commitments</a> to help people through the global rise in the cost
of living. These include manageable payment plans and allowing households, who may
be mid-contract but struggling with their bills, to switch to cheaper packages without
penalty.</p>
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