Limited access to the internet has meant that thousands of people in the UK are unable to find jobs, access benefits, and save on bills. Digital exclusion is a huge issue, especially during a cost of living crisis. According to the latest Ofcom research, 1.6 million UK households, or 6 per cent, lack internet access at home, leaving them at a financial and social disadvantage in an increasingly digital society. For many, devices, broadband or data are too expensive. And there are barriers online if English isn’t your first language, for disabled people who need assistive technology, or those who aren’t confident using computers or smartphones. Internet access in homes has increased since Covid pushed life online, but those who remain disconnected report that the disadvantages have become even more acute.
It creates an inescapable catch-22 of financial and social. Offline people on low incomes have fewer opportunities to increase their incomes or get debt support, while those forced to rely on others to navigate online tasks on their behalf lose independence. And it might not be obvious where or how to get help accessing a utility so many of us take for granted – particularly if you can’t Google it.
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