Audit Scotland has warned that efforts to overcome digital exclusion in the country are losing their momentum due to a weakening of leadership and reduction in funding.
It has published a report on the issue, saying the Scottish Government has worked well with councils and the third sector in the past to make devices, data and basic digital skills accessible to more people. But since a major investment during the Covid-19 pandemic, the momentum has slowed.
A key point of the report is that, despite an ambition in the national digital strategy to “leave no-one behind”, there has been no clear action plan for reducing exclusion and it is unclear who is responsible. This is despite some good examples of public bodies enabling digital inclusion.
In addition, the pressure on public finances has led to a reduction in the direct investment on the issue, and it is now unclear where it stands in the Scottish Government’s priorities.
Audit Scotland says that, to help mitigate the harms caused by inequalities, by the end of 2024-25 the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) need to develop a clear action plan, with clarity on leadership, roles and responsibilities. This must also include detail about the funding needed and available to deliver this plan.
Need for action
Auditor General for Scotland Stephen Boyle said: “Digital technology is at the heart of public service reform. Increasing efficiency is vital to ensure services can be delivered cost-efficiently, at a time of ever intensifying budget and service pressures.
“To achieve this, the Scottish Government must have clear actions to tackle and mitigate the impacts of digital exclusion. Failing to do so risks marginalising the most vulnerable people in our communities.
“Those who most depend on public services, must be at the forefront of the Government’s plans to reform how services are delivered.”
Nichola Brown, member of the Accounts Commission, added that local authorities also need to play a more active role.
“Councils across Scotland, working collaboratively with local public, private and third sector partners. must be clearer about how they will reduce digital exclusion in their local area,” she said.
“COSLA has a vital role in setting out clear commitments and actions to support councils to deliver on digital.”
