Local authorities across the UK could benefit from £9.5m of digital inclusion funding, the Government has announced.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology said the funding would ‘turbo-charge’ grassroots efforts to help the 1.6 million people in the UK who can’t get online.
The money will help tackle digital exclusion by supporting initiatives such as workshops aimed at familiarising people with tech and schemes promoting the donation of devices.
UK Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: ‘Digital inclusion is an essential for modern life and work, not just something that’s nice to have, and it forms a critical part of our Plan for Change.’
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Jane Hutt, added: ‘Being digitally included means having the basic digital skills and tools needed for everyday life – from accessing vital services and applying for jobs to staying connected with friends and family.
‘This new funding from the UK government will build on the progress we’ve made, helping to further our lead and support the aim to support people to meet the minimum digital living standard.’
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