The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has announced that local charities and councils could benefit from £9.5 million in new UK government funding to support efforts to help the 1.6 million people who cannot access the online world. Projects to be supported might include initiatives to
provide workshops to help those who are unfamiliar with the use of tech, or schemes to distribute donated devices like phones or laptops to the digitally excluded. It is anticipated that the funding will particularly benefit people aged 60 and older who are digitally excluded. All projects funded must clearly address a digital inclusion challenge, offer measurable outcomes and create a lasting impact beyond the funding period (ending 31 March 2025).
The Chair of the Local Government Association, Cllr. Louise Gittens, has responded to the NPC’s letter (5 March 2025) outlining the significant challenges faced by older people in accessing local council services due to digital exclusion, recognising the validity of the concerns raised. The letter goes on to say that the LGA is “actively working to support local authorities who are addressing digital exclusion through a multi-faceted approach, both internally within their councils and externally within their communities.”
The Centre for Ageing Better has released a report highlighting that the need for digital inclusion matters more now than ever, saying that it must be taken seriously as a public health and equity issues, particularly in the light of the NHS 10 Year Plan. You can read their report here – Why digital inclusion matters now more than ever | Centre for Ageing Better
