Digital Exclusion: A very North-Eastern Problem
“Why is digital exclusion so high in the North East? And what can be done about it?”
These are just some of the issues that we hope the successful mayoral candidate will address when they take office. Naturally, It’s a very important issue to us as a digital organisation, but it’s also a pressing issue for the region and those charged with leading its development.
What does it mean to be digitally excluded?
Simply put, it means that some people aren’t able to use digital technology in ways that would allow them to fully participate in society. Things you take for granted when you have a smart phone, tablet or computer, like booking appointments at your doctor, doing online shopping, submitting meter readings or checking your bank account are not easily accessible to everyone. This might be due to a lack of access to devices because of the expense; living rurally and not having an internet connection; not having the skills or confidence to use the devices.
In the North East, the percentage of people considered digitally excluded or in digital poverty, is the highest in the UK. People who are financially vulnerable or live with a condition that impairs their use of communication services are more likely to be digitally excluded.
“Digital Poverty sets up a vicious circle in which those without digital connectivity lose out and become financially poorer. It can exacerbate other forms of poverty among the most disadvantaged households.”
[Source: Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index 2021]
Digital Voice has been working hard to bridge this gap for many years and we’re still on that mission. Our Managing Director Julie Nicholson, was recently invited to Parliament where she met with Liz Twist, Labour MP for Blaydon. They discussed the fact that the North East is the worst affected region:
“Digital exclusion is becoming an increasingly urgent challenge as more and more aspects of our society move online. Those unable to access the internet – whether that’s because of the cost, or because they lack the skills or confidence required – are prevented from accessing vital services. I’ve had many constituents get in touch with me about such difficulties, and it has a very real impact on their lives and independence. We simply cannot ignore this issue. At the same time as safeguarding access to in-person services, we also need to make the online world more accessible - which is why the work carried out by Digital Voice is so invaluable to our communities here in the North East. I commend Julie and her team for the work that they are doing, and I hope that the Government can match their ambition.”
- Liz Twist MP
Digital Voice will be doing our bit to ensure digital exclusion stays firmly on the agenda throughout the devolution process.
Watch this space.
Got a group of clients who are digitally excluded? Get in touch to see how we can help.