LGA responds to age UK report on online services for older people
10 Dec 2015 11:40 AM
Cllr Izzi Seccombe, the Local Government Association's Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, responding to a report from Age UK claiming that online public services could leave some of the poorest pensioners without support.
"Councils work hard to ensure that information and advice is accessible to everyone, especially people who may need support to access vital care services. We recognise that not all residents have access to broadband or wi-fi and that some council services require over the phone or face-to-face contact. This report is a valuable reminder of how important it is that everyone has the choice of contacting their council in a way they feel comfortable.
"Through the Care Act, councils have a duty to ensure that information and advice on care and support is accessible and in proportion to people's needs and many local authorities are working with residents and voluntary groups in the community to assist people who want to use new technology available. With rising demand, growing costs and continued funding pressures it is vital that councils are properly funded for this."
Notes to editors:
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Councils design their services so they are accessible through a range of means, including by phone, face to face, and online. They design citizen friendly Apps and websites to enable those who can, to do so, carry out their business with the council. They also provide free wi-fi in some of their public buildings to enable citizens to go online.
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Councils have put in place schemes, like the Digital Champion Networks that assist people in the community who want to learn how to go online. Councils also work with voluntary and community groups to support and help people to access services.
​View Age UK’s report:
http://www.ageuk.org.uk/documents/en-gb/digtial%20exclusion%20in%20later%20life%20-%20research%20report%20final.pdf?dtrk=true