Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the accessibility of government services for elderly people.

The Government is committed to ensuring that digital public services are accessible to all, including elderly people.

Public sector bodies must meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines standard supporting a wide range of users.

Service Standard point 5. requires departments to consider the full range of users, including those who may lack confidence or digital skills

Service Standard point 3. ensures that alternatives to digital access, such as telephone or face-to-face, are available and usable by all.

We continue to improve inclusion across government services, recognising the importance of designing services that work well for older people and other groups at risk.

The UK government is supporting the skills pipeline in the UK, including developing the Industrial Strategy, setting up Skills England and launching the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review. Digital skills will be a critical part of this work and include skills provision for vulnerable groups’ (including older adults).