Household bill debt is climbing across the UK, yet most billpayers have no idea they could be cutting their costs through schemes already on offer, according to the BBC.
A new report from the spending watchdog has found that the majority of customers are unaware of so called social tariffs for water and broadband. These are lower rates designed for people on tight budgets or receiving certain benefits.
The watchdog said bill debt has been rising sharply as the cost of essentials stays stubbornly high. With energy, food and rent still squeezing household budgets, missed savings on water and broadband can add up to hundreds of pounds over a year.
Social tariffs vary by supplier. Many water companies offer reductions or capped bills for lower income households, and most major broadband providers now run cheaper packages for people on Universal Credit and other qualifying payments.
Despite the help being available, uptake remains low. The BBC reports that information about these tariffs is often buried in small print or only mentioned once a customer has already fallen behind on payments and rung to ask for help.
Charities have long argued that suppliers need to do far more to flag the schemes clearly on bills, websites and during customer service calls. The watchdog has urged ministers and regulators to push providers to advertise the support more openly.
Anyone struggling can ask their water or broadband supplier directly whether they qualify for a social tariff. Citizens Advice also offers free benefits checks, which can flag other support people may be entitled to but have not claimed.
With another winter of high bills on the horizon, the report is a reminder that some of the savings households need most are sitting unclaimed in the background.