Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has had recent discussions with the Chancellor the Exchequer on funding to support delivery of the long-term objectives in the Digital Inclusion Action Plan.

DSIT ministers and officials have worked closely with His Majesty’s Treasury to secure funding for digital inclusion that demonstrates the government’s commitment to delivering digital inclusion for everyone across the UK, regardless of their circumstances.

On 10 December, DSIT confirmed total funding of £11.7mn has been allocated across 80 projects through the Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, to ensure everyone has access to the skills, support and confidence they need to take part in a modern digital society. This builds on the previously announced £9.5mn.

This is a first step, alongside a series of others, set out in the Government's Digital Inclusion Action Plan published in February. While we are currently focused on helping people by delivering these commitments, the ambition is for everyone to benefit from the digital world—whether that’s saving money on bills, finding a better job, or accessing vital services like the NHS more easily.