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PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Internet Access: Low-income Families - 15 March 2023 (Commons/Commons Chamber)

Debate Detail

Contributions from Julia Lopez, are highlighted with a yellow border.
Con
Mark Fletcher
Bolsover
3. What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help low-income households access the internet.
Julia Lopez
The Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport
We want fantastic connectivity in every part of the UK. We have worked to ensure that a range of low-cost social tariffs are available in 99% of the UK for as little as £10 a month, which is highlighted in our Help for Households campaign and in our work with the Department for Work and Pensions, to make them easier for low-income households to access. We are also working on digital skills with the Department for Education.
  11:39:17
Mark Fletcher
While we continue to make progress on this front, could the Minister remind utility companies, particularly British Gas, that not everybody has access to a computer and the internet? It would be helpful if its services reflected that.
  11:39:17
Julia Lopez
I thank my hon. Friend for raising his concerns about British Gas. As the digital infrastructure Minister, I want to ensure that everyone has great access to the internet, but he might be interested to know that suppliers with more than 50,000 customers must allow people to pay energy bills in cash or on prepayment, and talk to them over the phone.
Lab
  11:39:17
Alison McGovern
Wirral South
What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of cryptocurrency technologies on low-income households?
Julia Lopez
I confess that cryptocurrency is not in my portfolio, but I am happy to refer the hon. Lady to a Minister who may be able to answer that.

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