Poorer households are being left behind in the “broadband slow
lane” despite relying more heavily on the internet at a time of
rising prices, risking their future job prospects, a new report
from the Local Government Association reveals today.
The LGA is calling for the appointment of a dedicated Digital
Exclusion minister, who should be given direct government
responsibility for a new strategy to close the gap between areas,
giving its cross-cutting impact.
It comes as its new report on digital exclusion finds that
households in the most deprived parts of England are less likely
to be able to get fixed broadband which supports the fastest
possible speeds, with access to fixed broadband 15 percentage
points lower in the most deprived areas than in the least
deprived.
This is despite them using nearly 50 per cent more data than
wealthier areas.
Separate figures also show a strong relationship between having
fixed broadband and higher earnings and educational achievement,
such as being able to work from home or for schoolwork. Each 10
percentage point increase in access to fixed broadband is
associated with a four percentage point increase in the economic
activity rate and about three points in the average Attainment 8
score at Key Stage 4.
The LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales, says a
refreshed strategy is needed to ensure every part of the country
can have future-proofed, gigabit capable connections, to
transform communities and unleash people’s full potential.
Towns and cities continue to benefit from faster download and
upload speed compared to rural areas, while those places with the
best fixed broadband coverage tend also to have the best mobile
coverage, the report finds, compounding the divide.
Despite greater uptake during the Covid-19 pandemic, the report
highlights that 11 per cent of UK households still do not have
access to the internet, and 15 per cent of those aged 65 and over
have never been online.
Cllr Mark Hawthorne, Digital Connectivity spokesperson for the
LGA, said:
“The Government has pledged to give every home and business
access to the fastest possible broadband, but this report
demonstrates the digital divide is still holding some back in the
broadband slow lane.
“We need a complete refresh of the current digital inclusion
strategy, which is nearly a decade old, with a minister in charge
to oversee it and make sure no one is left behind.
“Reliable access to high-quality fixed and mobile broadband means
that you can boost your skills, grow a business and enhance your
job prospects, while also playing a vital role in reducing social
isolation by keeping people in touch with family and friends.
“Councils want to make sure that, no matter which part of the
country you live in or your circumstances, everyone can
experience the transformational benefits that fast internet
access can bring.”
Notes to Editors
The LGA’s report, ‘The role of councils in tackling digital
exclusion’, is available on request.
Fixed broadband is not always the most suitable option and
therefore it is positive the Government’s recently published
Wireless Infrastructure Strategy recognises the need to review
the way in which good coverage of 4G and 5G networks are defined
and measured to ensure they reflect new and increasing
uses.
The LGA looks forward to working with Ofcom to improve the
quality of mobile coverage reporting.
