Households eligible for cheaper broadband deals are not taking up the offer over concerns about slow internet speeds, a survey by consumer group Which? has found.
Ofcom figures also show only 3.2 per cent or 136,000 of 4.2 million households on universal credit, who are entitled to the discounted social tariffs, have taken them up.
Other reasons given by those surveyed for not switching were not being able to leave a current contract, the deal not being good enough and lack of information, with six in 10 eligible households saying they were completely unaware social tariffs existed.
Cllr Mark Hawthorne, the LGA’s Digital Connectivity Spokesperson, said: “Fast and reliable internet access is an everyday necessity for households, and it is essential that providers play their part by offering and raising awareness of their social tariffs, which should include reasonable broadband speeds.
“The Government should also empower councils to place a local digital champion in every local area, who would be a central point of contact for government and broadband providers to help rollout gigabit-capable broadband as quickly as possible.
“Tackling the digital divide will be important to levelling up in every community, ensuring everyone has the connectivity they need to thrive.
“With the right funding and powers, councils could use their local expertise to play a far greater role targeting those most in need, driving demand and providing the necessary skills to support the rollout.”