Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of Digital Poverty Alliance, discusses the role of local government when it comes to tackling digital poverty.

In the UK, one in seven adults and one in five children are living in some form of digital poverty. This stark statistic should serve as a wake-up call for all levels of government, particularly local councils, which are uniquely positioned to drive change at a community level.

Digital poverty is not merely about lacking access to technology; it’s about being cut off from the opportunities the online world provides – whether for education, employment, healthcare, or essential services. This is a problem that cannot afford to wait any longer. Councils must act decisively to bridge the digital divide and ensure every person, regardless of background or financial circumstance, has the opportunity to participate fully in today’s increasingly digital society.

The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) defines digital poverty as an individual’s inability to connect with the online world when, where, and how they need to. While the causes are varied, cost remains the most significant barrier. According to recent findings by the DPA, 86% of parents experiencing digital poverty cite the cost of technology as the primary reason their children cannot access a laptop. This is a deeply troubling figure, particularly given that children without access to technology face profound disadvantages both in school and in life. The widening digital divide, especially in underserved communities, is one of the greatest social justice issues of our time. Councils play an essential role in tackling it.

Recent research conducted through the DPA's Tech4Families initiative reinforces this point. Since its launch in May 2022, the programme has distributed 1,758 laptops to children in seven digitally deprived areas across the UK. Feedback from 180 families shows the significant positive impact access to these devices is having, particularly in areas with the highest levels of need. These findings underscore the importance of scaling up such initiatives, and councils must take note of the crucial role they play in ensuring these programmes reach every corner of their communities.

There are, however, encouraging signs of progress. Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, has expressed a promising commitment to addressing the long-overdue need for digital inclusion. His early actions suggest a shift in focus towards this pressing issue. While national leadership is vital, councils are pivotal in delivering real, tangible change within their communities. Local authorities must proactively implement strategies that support and amplify these renewed national efforts towards digital access.

Councils are well-placed to work directly with their communities and organisations like the DPA, which runs initiatives such as Tech4Families, Tech4Youth, and Tech4YoungCarers. These programmes offer access to devices, connectivity, and digital skills training for those most in need. Collaboration with organisations like the DPA is crucial to ensure that residents are aware of, and can benefit from, these essential services. A strong partnership between the public and private sectors will be key to ending digital poverty, with councils acting as the critical link between these worlds.

End Digital Poverty Day, an initiative spearheaded by the DPA, takes place on 12th September and is focused on raising awareness of digital poverty and advancing practical solutions. Councils are urged to use this day as an opportunity to engage with their communities, raise awareness, and promote resources available to support those facing digital exclusion. While digital inclusion is a national challenge, it is also very much a local one, with councils uniquely positioned to lead efforts within their own areas.

One of the most significant challenges is dispelling the myth that digital poverty is a marginal issue. There is a mistaken belief that widespread smartphone ownership solves the problem. However, owning a smartphone is not the same as full digital inclusion. For example, many children may have access to a mobile phone but lack more powerful tools like laptops and tablets, which are essential for learning and personal development. Councils must take an active role in dispelling these misconceptions and promoting a clearer understanding of what digital inclusion truly means.

Another critical issue is the ‘poverty premium,’ which exacerbates digital exclusion. Many offline services are more expensive than their online counterparts, placing those who are digitally excluded at an even greater disadvantage. Furthermore, 90% of jobs in the UK are now advertised online, and much of the job-seeking process requires digital access. Councils must do more to ensure their residents have the necessary digital tools and skills to navigate these barriers.

Councils must also prioritise clearer communication about the available support for residents looking to improve their digital access. It is not enough to simply talk about digital inclusion; there needs to be active promotion of the resources and services that can assist those who are struggling. This includes better signposting, more effective outreach, and a commitment to ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to connect and thrive in a digital world.

Of course, digital poverty is not a challenge councils can address alone. It demands a coordinated effort between the public and private sectors. Councils should work closely with businesses and technology companies to explore innovative solutions, such as mesh networks and open roaming, to expand internet accessibility. In addition, advocating for key policy changes that enhance device affordability and accessibility is vital to bridging the digital divide. Embedding digital and media literacy deeply into the education system is also crucial to equip every child with the skills and tools needed to succeed in a digital age. Through collaboration and systemic reform, we can build a more digitally inclusive society.

Finally, addressing digital poverty is not the responsibility of the current government alone. Every political party must commit to tackling this issue, and councils should lead the call for action. The DPA has done much of the groundwork by consulting with communities, developing solutions, and building partnerships. Now, local councils and the government must take these ideas forward. The question is not whether digital poverty can be ended – it is whether there is the collective will to do so. With the right focus, leadership, and collaboration, we can ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.