Since the introduction of the internet in the 1980s, daily life has become increasingly digital, with more services, learning, employment and social opportunities moving online. While this brings significant benefits, not everyone is able to take advantage of them.
Evidence shows that the North East has some of the highest levels of digital exclusion in England. Around one in three people in the region experience some level of digital exclusion, whether through a lack of access to devices or connectivity, limited digital skills, low confidence using technology, or concerns about safety and affordability. With a population of just over 2 million people, this means around 650,000 to 700,000 residents may be digitally excluded.
Digital exclusion is not evenly distributed. It disproportionately affects people experiencing poverty, disabled residents, older people, those who are unemployed, and people living in rural or socially isolated communities. As more essential services and opportunities move online, higher levels of digital access, skills and confidence are no longer a luxury but a necessity.
To address this, the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority’s Digital Leads established a regional task group in September 2024 to drive coordinated action on digital inclusion across council’s. Since its inception, the seven local authorities across the region have collectively achieved the following:
- Developed a “network of networks” focused on digital inclusion across the region, with a growing membership of 785 organisations and practitioners.
- Secured and distributed £400,000 to the voluntary and community sector to deliver digital inclusion initiatives.
- Supported and advised over 170 organisations to design and deliver digital inclusion activity.
- Established 132 digital spaces across the region, providing free Wi‑Fi and access to devices, delivering over 21,600 hours of digital access per month.
- Provided 834 people with a digital device, with 1,650 people also receiving a SIM card where digital poverty was a barrier.
- Delivered 446 online safety sessions, engaging 6,087 residents.
- Enrolled 2,768 people on basic digital skills courses, with 2,280 people now able to complete all essential digital tasks — an 82% completion and success rate.
- Recruited 126 Digital Champion volunteers working within council buildings.
- Delivered 1,954 talks and workshops to raise awareness of digital inclusion.
- Supported 24,300 homes with assistive technology packages, helping people to live longer, more independent lives at home.
- Launched a Social Tariff campaign to inform residents about lower cost connectivity initiatives.
While we have achieved a great deal in a short period of time, we are clear that this is not the end of the journey. Digital exclusion remains a significant challenge, and we cannot be complacent. We are committed to continuing this work, focusing not only on activity and outputs, but on measuring the real‑world impact digital inclusion has on people’s everyday lives, opportunities and independence.
Contact
North Eastern ICT Partnership 