Local authority leaders have warned that two million older and disabled people could be put at risk unless councils are given more support to help with upgrading digital networks.

The privately-owned Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), which is based on copper wires, will be switched off by 2025 as the UK’s telecoms infrastructure is upgraded to digital connectivity.

The Local Government Association (LGA) warns that services which rely on the existing copper wire network, such as personal alarms and telephone handsets used by older and disabled people, are at risk unless more is done to help with the switchover.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, LGA digital connectivity spokesperson, said: ‘Councils have a critical role to play in the digital switchover which is fast approaching and will impact on a whole range of vital services, including in adult social care.

‘Our survey shows that unless action is taken now to support councils to help their residents and suppliers with this change, we face the prospect of serious disruption to people’s lives, including most urgently those who use personal devices such as alarms and fall detectors to stay safe in their own homes.’

The LGA says Government plans such as Project Gigabit to ensure everyone can access reliable broadband will encourage the digital rollout, but warns this could be undermined if existing devices cannot connect to the latest equipment or are not replaced.

While the upgrading of the PSTN is being undertaken by the telecoms industry, the LGA says councils need greater support with data sharing, testing, awareness and funding to prepare their residents for the switchover.

A survey by the LGA found almost 40% of the councils who responded do not know how they will pay for the move to digital telecare.

‘While we want to see every part of the country benefit from the digital rollout, we need to make sure no one is left behind and potentially at risk, whether it be someone living at home on their own in need of support, or people going about their daily lives waiting at the traffic lights or withdrawing cash from an ATM,’ continued Cllr Hawthorne.

‘Expanding high-speed digital access is essential to economic growth, but it should not be at the expense of those who are older and more vulnerable, who rely on their devices and other services to maintain their independence, safety and wellbeing.’