Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of economic deprivation on digital exclusion.

Everyone should be able to benefit from the digital world – helping families save money, get a better job, and access services like the NHS more easily.

But we know some people face barriers - and digital exclusion is more prominent amongst those of low income. Among those aged 16 or above, 17% of those that live in a household with an income below £10.4k did not have home internet access compared to 1% of those who live in a household with an income of £26k or above. That’s why we published the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, and why we’re now delivering the foundations.

We launched the £11.9 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, helping more people across the UK get the access, skills and confidence to get online. Earlier this month, major telecoms providers signed a new charter to end unexpected mid-contract price rises and make social tariffs easier to access, helping millions manage living costs. We are also getting more free devices in the hands of those that need them through government and industry device donation efforts.