Many UK homes cut back on essentials to pay for TV, phones and internet

Ofcom research highlights pressure on household finances as consumers face inflation-busting bills

Up to a fifth of UK households have struggled to pay their TV, internet and phone bills in the last year, with some having to cancel services or cut back spending on essentials such as food and clothing to make payments, according to research by Ofcom.

The telecoms regulator's annual affordability report highlights the rising pressure on household finances, with consumers facing a further inflation-busting increase in mobile, telephone and broadband bills of as much as 10% this year.