December 2024
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This conference discussed next steps for increasing digital inclusion in the UK.
It was a timely opportunity to consider practical and actionable measures, and the future direction of policy, with the Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms recently highlighting digital inclusion as a key priority and signalling the aim of working with stakeholders on new approaches to addressing the issues. It also followed the Chancellor of the Exchequer announcing government’s National Payments Vision, which acknowledges that further action is needed for those that want to transact digitally.
At this conference, we expected policymakers and stakeholders to draw on recommendations for collaboration made by the Good Things Foundation’s Manifesto to Fix the Digital Divide, alongside suggestions for the potential role of the public sector in increasing access to technology, and for supporting adults to increase their digital skills, confidence and safety.
Sessions examined latest thinking on how frameworks for coordination between interested parties could be further developed to address longstanding issues. Areas for discussion included improving reliable connection in rural areas and access to up-to-date equipment, and creating opportunities for digital skills development where they are most needed - all against the backdrop of accelerating technological innovation, including AI.
The agenda also examined developments and next steps for digital infrastructure, including the rollout of Project Gigabit, with the £500m investment set out in the Budget, and challenges associated with replacing legacy infrastructure. Discussion considered technology’s role in tackling inequality, such as options for assisting digitally-excluded jobseekers, and social issues like loneliness.
Delegates also discussed the impacts of digital exclusion on the economy, how socioeconomic and regional disparities could be addressed, and how to support small businesses in becoming digitally able following the extension of the SME Digital Adoption Taskforce announced in the Budget and the £4m pilot package to support SME tech adoption, the details of which are expected shortly. The agenda looked at the Minimum Digital Living Standard for households with children report published by the University of Liverpool in March 2024, which recommended making digital inclusion a cross-government priority for families.
Discussion was also expected on what can be carried forward from previous policy plans for increasing inclusion, such as free Wi-Fi in public libraries, investment in digital skills training and working with the private sector. Delegates also considered previous proposals from the HoL Communications and Digital Committee for a new strategy, with suggested measures including scrapping VAT on social internet tariffs, scaled-up internet voucher schemes and public sector donation of old devices.
Further sessions also considered the impact of wider digitalisation of services as TV and other mass media services migrate to digital platforms, and implications for both digital exclusion and driving adoption. It came with Ofcom’s Communications Affordability Tracker showing that around one quarter of UK households still had difficulty affording communications services in June 2024.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Ed Leighton, Director, Strategy and Policy, Ofcom; Emma Stone, Director, Evidence and Engagement, Good Things Foundation; Elizabeth Anderson, CEO, Digital Poverty Alliance; Alex Towers, Director, Policy and Public Affairs, BT; and Prof Simeon Yates, Professor, Digital Culture, University of Liverpool.
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those that attended include officials from DSIT; Ofcom; DBT; DfE; DWP; Defra; ICO; DfT; HMRC; WRA; DfE, NI; DoE, ROI; DoF, NI; NAO; the Welsh Government; and The Scottish Government.
