London-wide approach to digital inclusion needed

A new report has recommended renewed London-wide action to improve data and learning and to raise awareness of digital skills courses and the provision of devices to those most in need.

The report, Digital Inclusion in London, released by the London Office of Technology and Innovation, has highlighted the range of local support available and proposing pan-London measures to bridge the digital divide. It found more than 100 local and neighbourhood digital inclusion initiatives across the capital’s public, private, and voluntary sectors.

LOTI’s research found that the majority of digital inclusion initiatives involve third sector organisations (68 per cent), as well as public sector organisations (62 per cent), while 22 per cent involve private sector organisations and 38 per cent of initiatives are cross-sector partnerships. The most common types of initiatives are provision of digital skills and training (84 per cent), provision of devices (67 per cent), identifying digitally excluded groups and their needs (58 per cent), and provision of connectivity or data allowance (52 per cent).

The report found that 25 of London’s local authorities are leading or participating in at least one digital inclusion initiative. The majority of boroughs run device gifting schemes to provide technology such as laptops and tablets to those lacking digital access and many are securing free or subsidised broadband packages from internet providers as part of contract negotiations.

However, LOTI says that the pandemic makes tackling digital exclusion in the capital more important than ever, with lockdowns and social distancing during the height of the pandemic leading to an ‘even more severe’ digital divide. The pandemic has also meant it has been more difficult to deliver the face-to-face contact often required for helping vulnerable residents to access online services and use digital technology.

LOTI concludes that a ‘blended approach’ is the most effective at a local level to address exclusion, while recommending new partnerships and pan-London approaches to boost digital inclusion.

Eddie Copeland, director of LOTI, said: “Promoting digital inclusion is hugely important and LOTI’s new study shows a wide range of exciting initiatives taking place across the capital.

“The pandemic was a catalyst for rapid change in terms of the digitisation of public services. This is undoubtedly positive in many ways, but it also makes it more important than ever to ensure all Londoners can access the support they need. Our new report sets out the challenges involved in this work, while also sharing best practice and fresh recommendations for London-wide action on this crucial issue.”