Nearly 80% of councils say financial constraints are the greatest barrier to digital inclusion, research has found.

According to a survey by the Local Government Association (LGA), 77% of the 83 respondent councils reported that financial pressures are the biggest obstacle to improving digital access and skills.

The Digital Communities Survey found that only 13% of local authorities have a dedicated digital inclusion strategy in place, with less than half (49%) referencing digital inclusion in their digital strategy, and just more than half (56%) having one or more staff members responsible for digital inclusion.

It also revealed that councils are facing staff capacity issues, with just 24% of respondents confirming that they had elected members whose portfolios mentioned digital inclusion.

The LGA argues that councils are ‘uniquely placed’ to lead digital inclusion work, which involves establishing a digital economy that everyone can participate in, but warned that sufficient funding is required to achieve these goals.

Highlighting the importance of equipping people with the skills, confidence, and support required to achieve digital literacy, the LGA has emphasised that ‘access to infrastructure alone is not enough’.

Cllr Dan Swords, Chairman of the LGA’s Public Service Reform and Innovation Committee, said: ‘Digital inclusion is fundamental to unlocking inclusive growth and ensuring no one is left behind in a rapidly changing economy.

‘Councils are doing everything they can to support residents, but they cannot do this alone.’

Cllr Swords has called for a coordinated national approach and sustainable funding to support councils, 90% of which echoed these sentiments with requests for dedicated funding streams and resources such as toolkits and training.

For more on this topic, check out Why upskilling the workforce is mission-critical.