Virgin Media to freeze prices and always give best deal to over 100,000 vulnerable customers
OVER 100,000 vulnerable Virgin Media customers will automatically move on to cheaper deals or have prices frozen.
The phone, internet and TV giant will annually review contracts of customers who have been with the company for more than three years to see if there’s a better deal it can offer.
If the customers can’t be contacted they will be automatically moved on to the most appropriate package.
This will include older customers as well as those with disabilities or someone who is experiencing a stressful life event, such as a bereavement or redundancy.
It will also reach out to customers who make uncharacteristic late payments or have an usually large bill.
It will also be making it easier for customers to choose a friend or family member to look after their account.
Virgin Media will decide on a case-by-case basis whether a customer can be identified as vulnerable.
Customers are still urged to compare prices as there may be a cheaper offer elsewhere.
How to find the best deals
YOU'LL never know what other deals are out there until you shop around.
But first you’ll need to check how much you’re already paying.
This can be done by looking at your online account or the last paper bill you received.
Once you know how much you’re forking out each month, it’s then easier to work out if you could be paying less.
Use comparison sites such as and to see what else is out there and then you can go back to your current provider with evidence of better deals.
To use comparison websites you’ll need to enter some personal details including your address, name, age and the type of deal you’re after.
For energy providers you’ll need to say what your current gas and electricity usage is, whereas tech companies will ask if you want TV, internet or phone in your package.
If you do find a better deal, go back to your current company and tell them the price being offered elsewhere.
Stand firm and make clear what you want to be paying each month but be aware you might not be able to leave your current provider if you’re still in the contract period.
If you didn’t find a better deal, it’s still worth trying to haggle down your provider by saying you’re not happy with how much you’re paying.
It comes after tech providers and energy companies came under attack for how they approach customers with shocking research by Citizens Advice revealing mental health sufferers pay an extra £1,550 each year on household bills.
Comparison sites such as and can help shoppers find the best TV, broadband and phone packages in their area.
Get help with bills
IT can be hard admitting when you need help with money.
But it can be even harder for those considered the most vulnerable in society.
Friends and family can aid those in need get on top of what they’re paying while Citizens Advice is also on hand to help.
Here is there top tips for getting help paying bills:
- Contact your provider immediately if you cannot pay an upcoming bill to arrange a payment plan that works for you. It’s important not to let missed payments stack up.
- Check what grants might be available to you, including the Winter Fuel Allowance and Warm Home Discount Scheme. The is a great tool to see what help is around just by popping in where you live, your age, gender, current or past jobs and any health conditions.
- by using a benefits calculator on the GOV.UK website. They range from job seeking all the way to pension credit and you might be surprised by what help you’re already entitled to.
- Make sure you’re on the best possible deal to suit your needs by using a comparion website.
Jeff Dodds, chief operating officer at Virgin Media, said the aim is to help those who find it hard to shop around for the best deals.
He said: “Businesses shouldn’t be sitting on their hands about this important issue.
“I’m proud that we are leading the way with this enhanced package of measures which reflect the very heart of what Virgin Media is all about.”
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If you’re a Virgin Media customer then you might also be interested to know how to avoid an incoming price hike as the provider looks to add up to £54 a year to bills.
But in better news, Virgin is bringing ultra-fast “next-gen” broadband to its entire network by the end of 2021.
Customers can already get a free WiFi upgrade that speeds up internet around the home.
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