Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will take steps to help provide access to digital audio content for (a) people from disadvantaged backgrounds, (b) older people and (c) other people.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is responsible for coordinating HM Government’s digital inclusion policy, and aims to ensure that as many people as possible, no matter their age or background, can overcome the barriers of digital inclusion and make the most of digital opportunities.

The Government is working to remove barriers and ensure that online services, including digital audio content, is as inclusive as possible by making public sector websites accessible to as many people as possible. The accessibility regulations ensure that websites and mobile apps are designed to be perceivable, operable, understandable and robust. Furthermore, assisted digital support services aim to increase digital inclusion for those online users who lack digital confidence, digital skills or access to the internet.