The Communications and Digital Committee of the House of Lords has claimed the UK is being held back by high levels of digital exclusion, with the problem being a “direct result of political lethargy”.
It has published a report on the issue, saying the Government is failing to take decisive action and allowing millions of citizens to fall behind, with negative impacts on economic growth, public health and levelling up.
The committee says the trend is deepening disadvantages as the move to online services accelerates. It points to the growing use of machine learning in public and private sectors and says this will further disadvantage digitally excluded groups who are often poorly represented in datasets.
In respect to public health and wellbeing, the report says there is a clear link with digital inclusion, with internet users having easier access to support services, health awareness tools and opportunities to avoid loneliness through online engagements.
Similar issues arise in education, in which connectivity and digital skills are increasingly important.
It also identifies implications for democratic inclusion, with those offline at risk of being left voiceless, the ambition for net zero, with people left unable to work remotely on have appointments online, and levelling up, with fewer employment opportunities for the digitally excluded.
Need for strategy
The report says there is a need for the Government to develop a new digital inclusion strategy, including a focus on future proofing public services to ensure machine learning tools do not further marginalise the digitally excluded.
It should also involve an investment in basic skills, more support for digital inclusion hubs, encouraging public sector bodies to donate old devices, and working with the private sector to scale up internet voucher schemes.
Baroness Stowell of Beeston, chair of the committee, said: “Tackling digital exclusion isn’t as sexy as searching for the next tech unicorn, but we can’t compete as a global player without getting the basics right.
“We have found a distinct lack of leadership in Government to tackle this issue. It is shocking that a digital inclusion strategy has not been produced since 2014 and the Government sees no need for a new one. It is vital we get a grip of this now.
“The cost of living crisis has made access to the internet unaffordable for many. We need urgent action to ensure people aren’t priced offline. This should include scrapping VAT on social tariffs and more efforts to promote their availability.”
Libraries' role
Other organisations have echoed the committee’s view in response to the report. Libraries Connected, the independent charity represent public libraries, welcomed its publication, saying the Government should provide greater support to libraries for them to take a bigger role in supporting inclusion.
Its chief executive, Isobel Hunter, commented: “Libraries work incredibly hard to ensure no one is left behind by the move to digital by default public services – a process hastened by the pandemic – but they often do so without sufficient resources or training."
"Whether it’s applying for a Blue Badge, managing benefits or making a GP appointment, public libraries are helping people with no or low digital skills access essential services every single day. We need significant investment in staff and equipment to ensure they can meet this demand."
"We agree with the committee – and with a growing number of organisations in the tech, local government and charitable sectors - that a new or refreshed digital inclusion strategy is badly needed."
Libraries Connected recently published a report on the role of libraries in collaboration with the Good Things Foundation.
LGA position
The Local Government Association said the Lords reflects its own findings the Government has provided little strategic guidance to councils on closing the digital divide.
Its digital connectivity spokesperson, Cllr Mark Hawthorne, said: “Councils know their communities best and have the responsibilities, relationships and assets to play a key role in encouraging older, vulnerable and disadvantaged households to get online.
“This is why it is vitally important the Government updates its near decade-old digital strategy with a new framework and national-level guidance, resources and tools for councils, to broaden internet access for all and ensure no one gets left behind.”
