Asked by: Adrian Ramsay (Green Party - Waveney Valley)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether the Government has issued guidance to local authorities on providing offline options for people to access public services.
Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
We have not done so as yet, but digital inclusion is a priority for the Government and we understand that some people will remain offline by choice, so alternative, accessible pathways need to be readily available and advertised. We are developing our approach on digital inclusion and will be working closely with the third sector, industry and local authorities.
Asked by: Adrian Ramsay (Green Party - Waveney Valley)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 7064 on Digital Technology: Disadvantaged, whether he plans to update the digital inclusion strategy.
Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Yes, because digital inclusion is a priority for the Government and we have already set up the Digital Inclusion and Skills Unit (DISU) to address it.
Asked by: Adrian Ramsay (Green Party - Waveney Valley)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on ensuring that people who (a) cannot and (b) choose not to be online are not excluded by the NHS’s planned transition from analogue to digital.
Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)
Digital inclusion is a priority for Government. It means ensuring everyone has the access, skills, support and confidence to engage in our modern digital society, whatever their circumstances. We understand, however, that some people will remain offline by choice, and that alternative, accessible pathways to access public services need to be readily available and advertised. We are working across government departments to develop our approach on tackling digital exclusion, including colleagues at DHSC and NHS England.