Openreach has said it will install broadband for free to UK households on Universal Credit that have no other earnings.
The company – which is owned by BT – would usually charge ISPs such as Sky or TalkTalk for connecting households to broadband, but the waiving of this installation charge as part of the ‘Connect the Unconnected’ offer means that it’s estimated about one million people could save up to £92, depending on how internet firms pass on the saving.
According to an Ofcom report published in July, two million households struggle to afford internet access.
These households cannot afford to pay the fees that the likes of Sky, Virgin Media or TalkTalk charge for connecting households to broadband.
The report noted that some ISPs had introduced low-cost tariffs for people on benefits, or improved existing ones, but it said take-up had been low and had only reached at most 1% of those in receipt of out-of-work benefits.
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It suggested that if the industry did not do more, there would be a strong case for “exploring whether mandatory social tariffs would be necessary to fill the gaps in support, alongside other potential options”.
Our ‘Connect the Unconnected’ offer is designed to help those most at risk when not connected to our #network – an estimated one million people throughout the country. #WeAreOpenreachpic.twitter.com/0zItK17weL
The ‘Connect the Unconnected’ offer will apply to households that receive Universal Credit with zero other earnings, which have not been connected to the Openreach network for the past 90 days.
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Openreach’s decision to waive installation fees for Universal Credit households has been both welcomed and queried by analysts.
A spokesperson from The Good Things Foundation commented: “Access to data is a lifeline. Public services like Universal Credit are already online, and the pandemic has meant more of us are managing our health online through contacting GPs via video call, or making use of the NHS apps.”
Mark Jackson – Editor-in-Chief of broadband news site ISP Review – said the offer was “a positive development” but commented that caveats meant the announcement “may only have a limited impact” and it is yet to be seen how the savings would be passed on.
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Openreach said ISPs can choose to implement the savings to customers in a number of ways, either by cutting costs up front or over the course of a contract.
Speaking about the new broadband offer, an Openreach spokesperson told the BBC that while the company could not insist that the savings were given to customers, “clearly the right thing to do would be to pass it on”.
Featured Image – Openreach
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A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The Manc -
8th September 2021 
