UK government boosts digital access for more than a million people
Since its launch last year, the UK government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan has consistently met its targets, helping over one million people access the digital world
The UK government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan has helped more than a million people access online and digital services in its first year.
The initiative, launched in early 2025, aims to bridge the digital inclusion gap in the UK by providing internet access to individuals with limited exposure to digital technologies. This includes the elderly, unemployed individuals, families from low-income households, and those residing in rural areas.
Secretary of state Liz Kendall said: “We want everyone in the country to be able to take advantage of the opportunities of being online. Whether that is staying connected with family and friends, finding work, accessing government services or getting better prices for everyday goods.
“Our digital inclusion efforts are already changing people’s lives for the better, but we are determined to go even further, so we can build a future that works for all.”
Access to digital technologies in the UK is not equal, with many individuals unable to afford their own devices, access the internet or gain skills.
The availability of technology in schools varies by location, while a lack of access to artificial intelligence (AI) means there is also a growing gap in AI skills despite its increasing use in daily life.
As the world becomes increasingly digitised, day-to-day activities, from managing finances to applying for jobs, now require access to computers and the internet, yet many UK citizens don’t have the basic digital skills needed to navigate daily life or to function in the modern workplace.
Digital inclusion changes lives. When people have the confidence and support to navigate the digital world, they feel more connected, more empowered and better able to manage everyday challenges
Hilary Armstrong, Digital Inclusion Action Committee
The Digital Inclusion Action Plan has seen the government work alongside the technology sector and charities to provide devices and digital skills to those being left behind in the wake of rapid technology adoption.
Its one-year progress report found that the commitments the government has made as part of the initiative have either been delivered or are on track to be delivered.
This includes launching an £11.9m Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund to support local digital skills initiatives across the UK, which has helped more than 80 projects across England aimed at reducing the digital divide.
These various projects have helped more than one million people access digital services through improved broadband and mobile connections, skills training, access to support, more affordable services and supply for devices.
How the Digital Inclusion Action Plan is making a difference
A progress report on the government’s action plan featured a number of case studies, many including individual accounts, that outlined the difference the Digital Inclusion Action Plan has made since its launch a year ago.
Devices repurposed: With help from the DVLA – one of the IT Reuse for Good Charter’s 42 signatories – many refurbished devices have been distributed to individuals who needed them, including to Grange Pavilion Study Club via Race Council Cymru’s National Minority Ethnic Youth Forum. One Year 8 student who received a laptop through the scheme had never owned a laptop before and can now more easily complete homework and use online learning platforms. Combined, the charter and the government’s digital device donation pilot scheme have donated more than 22,000 devices, including laptops, phones and tablets.
Digital skills: Funded by the Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, Women’s Wellbeing gave one-to-one digital support and training to women from poorer socioeconomic areas to help them learn skills essential for the workplace. One woman who took part in the course secured a job after almost a year of unemployment.
A fresh start: The government’s device donation pilot saw a single mother receive a refurbished laptop, which helped her apply for jobs and access digital services to improve her situation after moving into temporary accommodation to escape domestic abuse.
Phone support: Virgin Media O2’s Community Calling Programme helped the Happy Tears Foundation provide an abuse survivor with a phone to access specialist domestic abuse services, helping her to feel safe again. Virgin Media O2’s programme works in partnership with charity Hubbub, already having provided 32,000 people with free phones.
Career opportunity: The LS-TEN Sky Up Hub, part of Sky’s pledge to the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, provides those in need with laptops, internet access and skills support. One young man, who first came to the hub at 16 after poor school results, was able to go on to secure an apprenticeship and progress within his chosen organisation after receiving help from the hub.
To ensure continued progress, the government is planning several next steps for digital skills and inclusion across the UK.
One of these is to update and move forward with the Essential Digital Skills (EDS) Framework, formerly managed by Lloyds Banking Group, which monitors what digital skills are required to successfully navigate daily life.
It will also continue to follow the guidance of the Digital Inclusion Action Committee to sustain efforts to close the UK’s digital divide.
Hilary Armstrong, chair of the Digital Inclusion Action Committee, said: “Digital inclusion changes lives. When people have the confidence and support to navigate the digital world, they feel more connected, more empowered and better able to manage everyday challenges.
“We’ve made important progress, but the job isn’t finished. As chair of the Digital Inclusion Action Committee, I will continue championing the voices of those most affected as we enter the next phase of action.”
