Poorer households are being left behind in a ‘broadband slow lane’ despite relying more heavily on the internet, local government leaders have warned.
A report commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA) from DMS Research & Consulting says households in the most deprived parts of England are less likely to be able to get fixed broadband at the fastest speeds.
The LGA says this is putting their job prospects at risk at a time of rising prices.
The role of councils in tackling digital exclusion says access to fixed broadband is 15% lower in the most deprived areas than in the wealthiest despite them using nearly 50% more data.
The LGA is calling for the appointment of a dedicated digital exclusion minister with direct government responsibility for a new strategy to close the gap between areas.
Mark Hawthorne, digital connectivity spokesperson for the LGA, said: ‘The Government has pledged to give every home and business access to the fastest possible broadband, but this report demonstrates the digital divide is still holding some back in the broadband slow lane.
‘We need a complete refresh of the current digital inclusion strategy, which is nearly a decade old, with a minister in charge to oversee it and make sure no one is left behind.’
