Millions in the UK remain excluded from the benefits of the digital world due to barriers such as a lack of skills, confidence, or access to affordable devices like laptops, tablets, or mobile phones. These limitations hinder people’s ability to find work, access healthcare and education, and secure the best value for daily essentials.
To address this, the UK Government has launched the £9.5 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund. The funding will support local councils, charities, and community groups with deep community knowledge. In England, grants ranging from £25,000 to £500,000 will be available for initiatives such as skills workshops and schemes providing devices to those without them. Equivalent programmes in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be managed by their respective devolved governments.
The Digital Poverty Alliance, a partner in the UK Government’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan, has welcomed the investment, highlighting its potential to turn national commitments into meaningful local action. Elizabeth Anderson, the organisation’s CEO, described it as a valuable opportunity to test and scale solutions that address digital inequalities across diverse communities.
By focusing on locally led initiatives, the Fund seeks to identify and expand effective approaches nationwide. For the one in five adults and children in the UK who are digitally excluded, this initiative represents an important step towards ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income, or location, can fully participate in an increasingly digital society.
