Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to support people in improving digital skills.

In February 2025 we published the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which set out the first five actions the Government is taking to boost digital inclusion across the UK. This includes expanding opportunities for digital upskilling and strengthening support for the Essential Digital Skills framework, which helps individuals and employers understand and build the digital skills needed for work and everyday life. As part of the Action Plan, DSIT launched an 11.9m Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, supporting 85 projects across England, and with funding allocated to devolved governments to support further projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Through the Government’s digital entitlement, eligible adults can access fully funded essential digital skills courses and qualifications, supporting people to get online safely and confidently, improve their employability, and access public services. To increase awareness and take-up, DSIT have also launched marketing activity running as part of DfE’s ‘Skills for Life’ campaign, working with partners across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Alongside this, DSIT is delivering the £187 million TechFirst programme that will support over 4,000 domestic graduates, researchers and innovators and engage 1 million students in digital skills and AI learning. These measures support people at all stages of life to develop the digital skills they need to participate fully in the digital economy and society.