Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking tackle digital exclusion among older people in rural areas.

Tackling digital exclusion is a Government priority. We published the Digital Inclusion Action Plan in February 2025, identifying five target groups to benefit most from digital inclusion initiatives, including older people.

The Action Plan outlines five immediate actions for Government, including launching the Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund to support locally delivered digital inclusion initiatives.

We are also upgrading broadband and mobile connectivity in rural areas through Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network and are exploring options for further support to connect very hard to reach areas.