One of our main concerns was, and is, digital inclusion. Although more and more people can access superfast broadband, the cost of access will often be a barrier for many, particularly again during a cost-of-living crisis. There is a risk that broadband access will become a luxury that many will not be able to afford. So, what can be done? Several broadband providers offer lower-cost social tariffs to eligible households. But committee members were shocked that so few take up these social tariffs. Only 3.2 per cent of eligible households are on a social tariff. Now that is woefully low; indeed, it is disgraceful.

Enrolling on social tariffs must be a clearer and simpler process. Consideration should even be given to automatically enrolling eligible households. That's certainly an option, and I'm pleased that the UK Government, since then, has taken steps to make it easier for people to register for social tariffs. I do hope they will have a positive impact. In his response to our report, the Minister has said that officials in the Welsh Government’s digital inclusion unit are exploring ways to raise awareness of social tariffs. I welcome that, and certainly as a committee, we want to see more people benefiting from what they are entitled to.

Migration from landlines to voice over internet protocol was a major concern for groups representing consumers. Many of us, as local Members, will have been involved with this issue. There are potentially significant issues for the most vulnerable people in our society arising as a result of that proposed change. They may be living in a remote or rural area with limited internet access. We are pleased, of course, that the process of migration has been paused, and we have asked the Welsh Government to report back to us as a committee on this issue.

The Welsh Government may wish to consider the approach taken in Scotland, which has, for over five years, had a national programme to support the migration from analogue to digital, specifically for people using telecare and remote health monitoring. Scotland also has a digital telecare roadmap, to support the migration for those most at risk. I would be grateful if the Minister would reflect on these proposals and, if he is not able to respond to them today, that he does provide a written update to us on these issues in due course. 

In conclusion, therefore, Dirprwy Lywydd, I would like to thank the stakeholders who contributed to our work, and to the Minister for his constructive response to our report. There has been significant progress over recent years towards increasing broadband access. We are now down to the last 0.6 per cent—that last 0.6 per cent—and new technologies are becoming available that should make that last push more achievable and, hopefully, more affordable too. But there is no doubt that Government support is needed for these properties. The UK Government must take into account the particular needs of Wales in designing and creating its next funding packages. We cannot redirect funding from devolved areas.

But the most significant challenge for many in society at the moment, of course, will be the cost of access itself. For many, the cost of broadband will be too much and they will be locked out of so many of the services that are accessible online, so many that we take for granted. Access to those will not be available to far too many people in Wales.