Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that everyone has fair and equal access to essential public services, and that older people and those with disabilities are not adversely affected by the digitalization of public services; what assessment they have made of Age UK’s campaign ‘Offline And Overlooked’; and what plans they have to publish an updated digital inclusion strategy to support people of all ages to get online.

The Government is committed to closing the digital divide and meeting the commitment that nobody should be left behind in the digital age. The Government is working to remove barriers and ensure that online services are 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.

The Government also understands the impact of poorly designed apps and websites, which do not take people with disabilities into account. That is why the Cabinet Office’s Central Digital and Data Office regularly monitors compliance with the regulations for the accessibility of public sector websites.

Training is available for elderly people wishing to acquire essential digital skills. The Government has introduced a digital entitlement for adults with no or low digital skills to undertake specified digital qualifications, up to level 1, free of charge. Essential Digital Skills Qualifications (EDSQs), introduced alongside the digital entitlement, are based on new national standards which set out the digital skills people need to get on in life and work. We also support the provision of essential digital skills training in community settings through the Adult Education Budget.

We also recognise that ongoing support is essential to overcome barriers of access. Through DCMS, our network of 2,900 public libraries across England provide a trusted network of accessible locations with staff, volunteers, free wifi, public PCs, and assisted digital access to a wide range of digital services. Charities such as Age UK and AbilityNet play an important role in assisting people with access to technology and the internet. The Government welcomes Age UK’s continued efforts to bridge the digital divide, especially with regards to the vulnerable and elderly.

The 2014 Digital Inclusion Strategy, and the four pillars it sets out, remains as relevant today as it was when published. These principles were further echoed in the Government’s UK Digital Strategy published in 2022, and our vision to enable everyone from across the UK to benefit from all that digital innovation can offer.

The Department has noted the recommendations made in the House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee’s report on digital exclusion and cost of living and will formally respond this month.