Digital Inclusion Action Plan – First Steps: An update on Government’s approach to Digital Inclusion

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HLWS466

Digital Inclusion Action Plan – First StepsAn update on Government’s approach to Digital Inclusion

Statement made on 26 February 2025

Statement UIN HLWS466

Statement made by

Baroness Jones of Whitchurch

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Future Digital Economy and Online Safety

Labour

Life peer

Lords

Statement

I am repeating the following Written Ministerial Statement made today in the other place by my Honourable Friend, the Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms, Chris Bryant MP.
Today, the Government has laid before Parliament the Digital Inclusion Action Plan - First Steps, which includes a call for evidence on the government’s proposed focus areas.
It is estimated that 1.6 million people in the UK live largely offline and we know that they are likely to experience lower pay, have fewer job opportunities, have worse health outcomes, and might pay more for goods and services. We know that there are many benefits to being online: whether it’s connecting with family and friends, being able to manage your finances, or being able to apply for a new job that is advertised online.
We want to ensure that everyone can experience these benefits. No matter where you are in the country. No matter your age, background, or current circumstance. Because we believe that everyone should benefit from digital technology. The Action Plan sets out the first five actions and the leadership actions that Government will take to ensure we have a digitally inclusive society.
The government has consulted with and listened to stakeholders who told us locally delivered support has the biggest impact. So in the spring we will be launching a new Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, to support innovative local initiatives - because we know digital inclusion initiatives work best when they’re embedded in the communities' people live and work in. Where local initiatives work well, we’ll look to roll them out in other parts of the country.
Everyone needs to have access to the necessary training and support to develop the essential digital skills to live, work, and participate fully in the modern world. That is why we have committed to improving support for the framework that helps people and businesses get the skills they need to get online safely and with confidence. We will also measure what works on digital inclusion, identify where the need is greatest, and establish the economic and social value of upskilling adults with digital skills.
Having access to a suitable device to be able to complete key tasks such as applying for a job, completing homework, or managing your finances online is vital to participating in our increasingly digital society. 37% of households who are offline say that lack of equipment is a barrier. To help address this, we are piloting a proof-of-concept multi-department device donation scheme. We are working with the Digital Poverty Alliance to provide refurbished government laptops to those that need them.
We want to break down barriers to digital services. This is why we have committed to making government digital services easier to use. We will have a renewed focus on digital inclusion, for example by improving the whole experience for users and increasing the number of services that use GOV.UK One Login.
The Action Plan is supported by ten pledges from industry, working in parallel with and in support of this Action Plan. These pledges demonstrate the significance of partnership to promote and empower digital inclusion and the shared responsibility to tackle this important issue.
The call for evidence seeks views on the focus areas identified for further work. These are Opening Up Opportunities Through Skills, Tackling Data and Device Poverty, Breaking Down Barriers to Digital Services, and Building Confidence and Supporting Local Delivery. The call for evidence will close on 9 April 2025. The Digital Inclusion Action Plan - First Steps document will be made available on GOV.uk.

Statement from

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Linked statements

This statement has also been made in the House of Commons

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Digital Inclusion Action Plan – First StepsAn update on Government’s approach to Digital Inclusion

Chris Bryant

Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms

Labour, Rhondda and Ogmore

Statement made 26 February 2025

HCWS471

Commons