The Government wants to help the 1-in-4 Britons currently ‘excluded’ from the online world.
Millions of people are set to receive support through a new Downing Street-led effort to overcome barriers to digital inclusion. According to the UK Digital Inclusion Action Plan press release, a lack of skills and opportunities to engage with technology are major obstacles to people accessing public services and applying for jobs.
Set out by Technology Secretary Peter Kyle, a series of urgent actions have now been identified as priorities to begin ‘fixing digital exclusion’. These include creating funding for local initiatives and programmes targeting the most vulnerable groups – elderly people, and households on low income. This will be delivered in collaboration with the Digital Poverty Alliance. Among other things, laptops will be given to members of the public who cannot afford them.
Local and combined authorities will also receive funding to run their own inclusion programme, while private stakeholders in the technology sector are being asked to make pledges to help the Government fulfil its commitment to bring more of the country into the digital world. Google, BT, and Vodafone are among the companies signed up so far, with offers to donate connectivity, devices, create affordable services and run training and workshops.
‘The technological revolution we are living in is not only transforming everyone’s lives, but is advancing at breakneck speed, and will not slow down any time soon,’ said Kyle. ‘Leaving people behind in the process could threaten our mission to maximise technology for economic growth and better public services, which is central to our Plan for Change.
‘Only by making technology a widely accessible force for good can we make it a positive catalyst for societal change – whether that means helping a sick patient speak to a GP remotely or giving a young person the devices they need to apply for online jobs or renting a flat,’ he continued.
According to Government data, as many as 1.6million people in the UK lack access to digital devices and services. Many also do now have the skills to get online and around one-quarter of the population struggles with using online services. This is particularly worrying given the concerted effort to overhaul the public sector and move more processes and amenities online. It is also believed that people who ‘life offline’ are liable to pay up to 25% more for things like home insurance, rail fares and food.
There is still too much digital exclusion in the UK. Technology should be accessible to all, and I welcome the recognition of Mayoral Combined Authorities as leaders in driving locally-led solutions. In Greater Manchester, we aim to empower every resident with the essential skills and tools to thrive in a digital world,’ said Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester. ‘Through a deeper collaboration with the government, we will unlock the potential of technology, building a fairer, more prosperous future for all, ensuring no one gets left behind.’
Image: Wonderlane / Unsplash
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