The UK is facing “significant disparities” in the availability of digital support services, revealing a fragmented system and a lack of awareness among community organisations, despite their role as digital inclusion enables, according to research from the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA).
It was found that people in local communities are often unaware of the digital inclusion initiatives offered by libraries, schools and local government, acting as a significant barrier to digital access, and requiring increased visibility and coordination of support services.
The study surveyed community organisations across rural and coastal villages, cities and towns, including Dundee, Aberystwyth, Enniskillen, Portsmouth, Kidderminster, Easington, Wrexham and Plymouth. The DPA requested the service provisions for devices, digital skills and connectivity from 471 libraries, community, centres, local government offices, schools and charities.
The results revealed “significant disparities” in the availabilities of digital support, with only 50 organisations providing information on digital inclusion initiatives.
Easington and Plymouth were found to be the most lacking in terms of advertised support for digital services such as access to devices, skills training and broadband connectivity, indicating higher rates of digital exclusion and a lack of resources to help residents.
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance commented: “As our society becomes increasingly reliant on digital platforms for essential services, such as healthcare, education, and job opportunities, it is imperative that we bridge the gaps in support. That makes our findings particularly troubling, shining a light on the disparities between regions when it comes to digital access and support.”
“Digital poverty affects people’s ability to access crucial resources and participate fully in their communities and we must ensure that everyone, regardless of their location, has access to the tools, training, and support they need to thrive in a digital world.”
“This means empowering local organisations across the regions and creating pathways to digital inclusion.”
“The last national Digital Inclusion Strategy was over 10 years ago, and our findings unfortunately show the impact of that – a disjointed approach to local digital services that is holding back local communities. We hope this serves as a catalyst for a new approach to digital inclusion, starting at national level and giving community organisations clear direction and support in order to provide digital services to the regions.”
The report outlines key policy recommendations to address the challenges of digital inclusion and highlights the importance of raising awareness among frontline staff in public organisations, such as local authorities, libraries, schools, and health centres, so they are better equipped to guide the public on digital support options.
Additionally, the DPA also recommend that schools assess the scale of digital poverty among their students, with school governors encouraged to provide devices for those who lack access, either through budgets or donation schemes.
The report also calls for the government to recognise and address gaps in digital support, particularly in libraries, and to explore alternative funding strategies through local charities.
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