More people in social housing will soon become confident digital
technology users, as the Welsh Government has expanded its
successful Minimum Digital Living standard grants to reach more
housing providers across Wales.
The Minimum Digital Living Standard establishes the minimum
needs, defined by citizens and organisations, for digital
inclusion in modern society.
Building on successful pilots with Monmouthshire and North Wales
Housing Associations, the grants help social housing providers
boost their residents' digital confidence and skills. Digital
Communities Wales has supported the pilots, where required, with
basic digital skills training for residents to use technology
safely in their daily lives.
The pilot projects have shown clear benefits for residents. At
North Wales Housing Association, workshops helped people overcome
fears about online scams while enabling them to rediscover
memories through virtual tours of meaningful places from their
past.
North Wales Housing's Director of Operations, Claire
Shiland, said: "Digital Communities Wales has been
instrumental in helping North Wales Housing Association navigate
and explore a Minimum Digital Living Standard with our residents.
Their expertise and collaborative approach have enabled us to
better understand the digital needs of our residents. It has been
more about the simple measures of access and skills, it is a
stepping stone towards helping us to begin shaping a more
inclusive, digitally confident community."
The Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, , said: "Wales has been
leading the way on digital inclusion for over ten years, and I'm
exceptionally proud of our work on the Minimum Digital Living
Standard. This citizen-centred approach recognises that digital
inclusion means more than just internet access – it's about
having the essential digital goods, services and skills to fully
participate in modern life.
"Digital exclusion often reflects wider inequalities in society.
That's why we're taking bold steps to ensure everyone can benefit
from digital technology if they choose to."
The Welsh Government continues to work with the University of
Liverpool, alongside Cwmpas, Loughborough University and Good
Things Foundation, to ensure the standard acts as a framework
towards universal digital inclusion.
Registered Social Housing Landlords can now apply to join the
expanded programme until 9 June, with successful projects
starting in July.
Notes to editors
Welsh Government digital inclusion and health procured service
contract delivered by Cwmpas: www.digitalcommunities.gov.wales
Case study video: North Wales Housing - https://youtu.be/M-g3vmBvb6c?si=yKx4erw1vJSG_lh1
Additional quotes: Professor of Digital Culture,
Department of Communication and Media, University of Liverpool,
Prof. Simeon Yates, said: “It has been
a significant benefit for the Minimum Digital Living Standard
(MDLS) team to work with the Welsh Government to develop further
insights and advance the MDLS as a tool for policy and practice.
The additional research conducted in Wales with households and
stakeholder organisations has provided depth and validation for
the MDLS. It has offered insights into the experiences of
households below the MDLS and how organisations can use the MDLS
to support digital inclusion in Wales. These include DIAW,
CWMPAS, and, of course, the Welsh Government. The work in Wales
established a foundation for the team to collaborate with the
Scottish Government to assess the use of the MDLS there. The MDLS
and the efforts of the Welsh Government are cited in the new UK
cross-Government Digital Inclusion Action Plan.”
Director of Evidence and Engagement, Good Things
Foundation, Dr Emma Stone, said: “Welsh Government has
started putting the Minimum Digital Living Standard for Wales
into action, using MDLS Wales to guide its approach to funding
digital inclusion pilots. Using MDLS Wales to guide procurement,
as well as policy, in digital inclusion - and to catalyse
cross-sector action - is a positive, practical way to move
forward, staying grounded in what members of the public say
households need to feel digitally included today.”
