My elderly dad was pressure-sold new broadband whilst still in contract for existing supplier

tegmim

My Dad is 79. He's reasonably independent but he's partially sighted and uses hearing aids, and in his words "is not as quick thinking as he used to be". He said a man came round door to door and told him he could get cheaper broadband from County Broadband. He told the man he was signed up with Gigaclear, but the man said it was no problem and they'd handle the transfer. He told my dad to check his connection speed on his phone, and said that Gigaclear were charging him for 300mbps but delivering less than 100mbps, which they could deliver for less than half the price. 

With what sounds like some pressure-selling tactics, Dad was persuaded to sign up on the spot, and 14 days later they came to connect him. Two days later (yesterday) Gigaclear notified him he has to pay for 11 months more of their connection, as he was still in contract. County Broadband say he can't cancel as he is out of the cooling off period and they've connected him. He's very embarrassed to have fallen for a door to door salesman. Is there anything he can do, or does he now have to waste over £200 paying for duplicate broadband?

john1

County Broadband Ltd is regulated by Ofcom. I would suggest that you approach County Broadband for their "Treating vulnerable customers fairly" policy  as detailed by Ofcom 

(Definition of a vulnerable customer is an individual whose personal circumstances make them more susceptible to harm, particularly when a firm is not acting with appropriate care)

One of Ofcom’s priorities is to make sure broadband, phone and TV customers, especially vulnerable customers, are treated fairly. They want vulnerable people to receive a high level of customer care to help them to manage their communications services effectively, and to help them get the right deal for their needs at a fair price.

OFCOM A guide for phone, broadband and pay-TV providers

M25

Tell him not to answer the door to strangers and put up CCTV notices and get a video doorbell that you have access to (ie so you can answer the door).

tegmim

Whether by coincidence, because my Mum asked to make a complaint and mentioned Ofcom, or because of my email, County Broadband have notified my Dad that his account will be frozen (without charges) until the Gigaclear contract expires in 11 months time. He was very relieved. Thanks for your advice @john1