Thousands of people across the UK will benefit from free digital training as the Government launches a major new initiative aimed at helping more people shop for cheaper deals online and fully participate in the digital economy.
Unveiled today by Digital Inclusion Minister Liz Lloyd, the £11.7 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund will support 80 local programs across the country, supporting people at risk of being left behind as more services move online.
Projects funded under the program will be delivered in communities from Leeds to London, Bristol to Nottingham, and will focus on improving digital access, skills and confidence. According to the government, the initiative is designed to help raise living standards, improve employment prospects and support its wider ambitions for national renewal.
The announcement follows growing concerns about the extent of digital exclusion in the UK. Research suggests that around 8 million adults still lack basic digital skills, while an estimated 1.6 million people remain offline overall. This digital divide prevents many from accessing online government services, managing their finances digitally, searching for jobs, or finding cheaper deals on everyday essentials.
By offering free, on-site training, ministers hope to address some of the practical barriers preventing people from engaging confidently online, particularly those on lower incomes, older people and vulnerable groups.
Commenting on the initiative, Kadams Radhakrishnan, Chief Technical Director at Lyca Mobile, welcomed the funding but stressed that training must be accompanied by affordable access to connectivity.
“The Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund’s investment is an important step in reaching people across the UK who need better digital skills and access to the internet, but it should be part of a wider picture,” he said. “For many, a mobile phone is the primary way they access online banking, digital healthcare and stay in touch with friends and family, so improving online trust can have an immediate impact on people’s lives.”
He added that connectivity should be viewed as an essential service and not a luxury.
“Connection is important, not optional,” Radhakrishnan said. “So, alongside digital education, everyone needs access to affordable mobile connectivity, through affordable data plans, simple and accessible guides and demystifying next-generation mobile technology so people can stay connected and make the most of the online world.”
The government says learnings from the 80 funded projects will help shape future digital inclusion policies, with the long-term aim of getting more people online and ensuring they can benefit from the possibilities of technology.
Ministers believe improving digital skills at community level could have far-reaching benefits, from boosting employment and financial resilience to improving access to healthcare and speeding up and simplifying everyday tasks – such as price comparisons or invoice management.
As the UK economy becomes increasingly digitalised, the Fund’s success will be closely watched by policymakers and businesses alike, with digital inclusion seen as a critical factor in ensuring growth that is both sustainable and inclusive.
