Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Ben Gummer and Edward Argar

Wednesday 14th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Edward Argar (Charnwood) (Con)]

5. What steps the Government are taking to improve the accessibility of Government services online.

[The Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General (Ben Gummer)]

In our manifesto we committed to ensuring that digital assistance is always available to those not online in the delivery of online Government services. All services will have a means of access for those not able to use the online service.

[Edward Argar]

I am encouraged by my right hon. Friend’s answer. He rightly continues to improve access to Government services online. Will he ensure that that is done in a way that avoids excluding or disadvantaging those who, for whatever reason, are unable to access such services?

[Ben Gummer]

I am able to give my hon. Friend that reassurance. We have travelled a great distance in the past six years, and access to online services is immeasurably better now than back in 2010. But we want to make sure that everyone is able to gain access to Government services and will provide alternative routes to them if they cannot do so online.