Millions of households are missing out on support for essential bills such as water, energy and broadband as their debt to firms climbs to more than £7 billion, the public spending watchdog said.
The National Audit Office (NAO) found only a third of eligible broadband customers and 39% of water customers who are struggling to pay their bills are aware of social tariffs, meaning those who are vulnerable or on low incomes could be missing out on support to help manage debt.
The report examined how Ofcom, Ofwat and Ofgem support consumers in vulnerable circumstances and…