Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help support digital literacy in older people.

We recognise that older people often have lower rates of digital literacy, which can put them at greater risk of digital exclusion.

The Government remains committed to supporting older people to develop the skills and confidence they need. Through the Government’s digital entitlement eligible adults, including older learners, can take part in fully funded courses and qualifications designed to build basic digital skills.

In addition, the Government’s £11.9 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund supports projects that directly help older people get online. This includes £289,247 of funding for the Age UK Digital Champion Programme, providing digital skills sessions and devices for older people.