WIREDGOV

For the first time in more than a decade, the UK has a national strategy to address digital exclusion, unveiled today by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). The Digital Inclusion Action Plan sets out a coordinated, long-term approach to removing the barriers that prevent millions from accessing essential services, education, and employment.

Technology has transformed nearly every aspect of daily life, yet digital exclusion remains a significant challenge for more than 19 million people across the UK. This new strategy brings together government, industry, charities, and local authorities to drive meaningful change and ensure no one is left behind in an increasingly digital world.

A central pillar of the plan is the national device donation scheme, which will see unused laptops from government refurbished and redistributed to those most in need. The Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) is at the forefront of delivering this initiative, leveraging extensive experience in large-scale device donation programmes to ensure that support reaches digitally excluded households efficiently and effectively.

Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the DPA, welcomed the initiative: “The Digital Poverty Alliance is delighted to play a practical role by distributing government devices to those in need – and more widely we are pleased to see so many key aspects of digital inclusion addressed in a comprehensive way in this Action Plan.

“Leadership from government, combined with tangible support from charities and local authorities and firm commitments from industry, sets a firm basis towards removing the barriers that prevent millions of people from accessing key services online and achieving their potential. Our work together on this pilot programme will provide real help right now and demonstrate the huge impact that device redistribution schemes have on families and households.”

Beyond device distribution, the Digital Inclusion Action Plan introduces critical measures, including a Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, a Digital Inclusion Action Committee, and a dedicated Digital Inclusion and Skills Unit within the DSIT. These efforts, combined with a Call for Evidence open until 9 April 2025, aim to establish long-term, sustainable solutions to digital exclusion.

Technology Secretary Peter Kyle reinforced the importance of digital inclusion, stating: “The technological revolution we are living in is advancing at breakneck speed. Leaving people behind in this process could threaten our mission to maximise technology for economic growth and better public services. Only by making technology widely accessible can we ensure it serves as a force for good.”

The Digital Inclusion Action Plan represents a collaborative effort that unites government, local authorities, charities, and the private sector. Industry leaders – including Google, BT, Vodafone, and Openreach – have pledged their support by providing digital skills training, connectivity, and additional resources to empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and confidence to fully participate in the digital world.

Elizabeth Anderson highlighted the importance of regional support: “As part of this rollout, we would like to see a particular emphasis on the regions that will benefit the most, from the tip of rural Scotland to the width of Northern Ireland and everywhere in between. Across education, central government, local authorities and the public and private sectors, we all have a vital role to play in creating a digitally inclusive Britain. We call on everyone to support in every way they can, from donating unused devices to providing digital skills training.”

This initiative provides a pivotal opportunity to drive lasting change. Businesses, organisations, and individuals are encouraged to take meaningful action – whether by donating unused devices, supporting digital skills initiatives, or advocating for greater awareness of the challenges faced by digitally excluded communities. A digitally inclusive future is within reach, and collective action is the key to making it a reality.

To explore meaningful partnership opportunities with the Digital Poverty Alliance and contribute to these vital efforts, please contact:

Elizabeth Anderson, CEO, Digital Poverty Alliance, elizabeth@digitalpovertyalliance.org

Or

Joel Tiller, Head of External Affairs, Digital Poverty Alliance, joel@digitalpovertyalliance.org