<p>We recognise that this is a difficult time for families across the country who are struggling to pay their bills as a result of the global rise in the cost of living.</p><p>My Department has engaged regularly with Ofcom over the past 12 months on a range of telecom consumer-related issues including the affordability of services.</p><p>Ofcom - the independent regulator - has a statutory duty to monitor ongoing household affordability in the sector, and Part C of their General Conditions require telecoms companies to provide clear information about their contracts.</p><p>On 9 February 2023, Ofcom announced a <a href="https://www.ofcom.org.uk/news-centre/2023/review-of-inflation-linked-telecoms-price-rises" target="_blank">review</a> into the transparency of in-contract price rises. Ofcom expects this review to conclude by the end of the year.</p>