Local councils and charities are being urged to apply for a share of £9.5m in new UK Government funding to boost grassroots efforts tackling digital exclusion and help more people across the country get online.
Backed by the UK Government as part of its Plan for Change, the Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund will support initiatives such as community workshops to improve digital confidence and schemes providing devices like phones and laptops to those without internet access.
Digital exclusion remains a significant challenge across the UK, with 19m people lacking access to devices and basic digital skills.
Those without digital access can face barriers to work, struggle to access vital public services and pay up to 25% more for essentials like insurance, train tickets and groceries.
“This £9.5m Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund is a much needed boost to grassroots efforts for the one in five adults and children who are digitally excluded,” said Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance (pictured, main image).
“It’s encouraging to see the government investing in tailored digital inclusion programmes for local neighbourhoods, because real change begins in the communities most left behind.
“Prioritising affordability as a central pillar can have a significant impact on millions across the country and should play a major part in public sector investment initiatives.
“Digital inclusion isn’t a ‘nice to have’. It’s the lifeline that connects people with education, healthcare, employment and fair access to essential services.
“With this committed funding and the leadership of local partners, we’re getting increasingly closer to making online access a reality for everyone.”
In England, local government, charities and research organisations can apply for grants of between £25,000 and £500,000 to boost digital skills and inclusion in their communities.
The fund builds on commitments set out in the Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan, released earlier this year, which outlined the first steps to tackling digital inequality so that technology can be harnessed by everyone.
By targeting funding at organisations embedded in their communities, the initiative aims to support the most effective and innovative solutions, with potential for wider rollout across the UK.
UK Telecoms Minister, Sir Chris Bryant, added: “It is unacceptable that in 2025, millions of people across the UK simply can’t access the vast opportunities that technology and the online world offers.
“Through this funding, we’re moving further to empower local leaders and groups nationwide who are already working tirelessly to get their communities connected and change countless lives for the better.”