Local councils and charities are being urged to apply for a share of £9.5 million in new UK Government funding to boost grassroots efforts tackling digital exclusion and help more people across the country get online.
Backed by the UK Government as part of its Plan for Change, the Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund will support initiatives such as community workshops to improve digital confidence and schemes providing devices like phones and laptops to those without internet access.
Digital exclusion remains a significant challenge across the UK with 19 million people lacking access to devices and basic digital skills. Those without digital access can face barriers to work, struggle to access vital public services and pay up to 25 per cent more for essentials like insurance, train tickets and groceries.
Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of the Digital Poverty Alliance, said, “This £9.5 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund is a much needed boost to grassroots efforts the one in five adults and children who are digitally excluded. It’s encouraging to see the government investing in tailored digital inclusion programmes for local neighbourhoods, because real change begins in the communities most left behind. Prioritising affordability as a central pillar can have a significant impact on millions across the country and should play a major part in public sector investment initiatives.
Digital inclusion isn’t a nice to have. It’s the lifeline that connects people with education, healthcare, employment and fair access to essential services. With this committed funding and the leadership of local partners, we’re getting increasingly closer to making online access a reality for everyone.”
In England, local government, charities and research organisations can apply for grants of between £25,000 and £500,000 to boost digital skills and inclusion in their communities. The devolved administrations will manage funding distribution in their nations to support local initiatives.
The fund builds on commitments set out in the Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan, released earlier this year, which outlined the first steps to tackling digital inequality so that technology can be harnessed by everyone. By targeting funding at organisations embedded in their communities, the initiative aims to support the most effective and innovative solutions, with potential for wider rollout across the UK.
Tackling digital exclusion is a key part of raising living standards and driving economic growth across the UK under the Plan For Change, helping more people to apply for jobs online, book GP appointments through the NHS app and fully participate in modern life.
UK Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said, “It is unacceptable that in 2025, millions of people across the UK simply can’t access the vast opportunities that technology and the online world offers. Through this funding, we’re moving further to empower local leaders and groups nationwide who are already working tirelessly to get their communities connected and change countless lives for the better.”
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