New Research study reveals high levels of digital exclusion in Preston

In Spring this year, Preston City Council commissioned the Co-operative Broadband Network (CBN) to conduct a groundbreaking study to identify how best to invest £200,000 as part of its UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) allocation from central Government to tackle digital exclusion in Preston. 

The funding for the Digital Inclusion study and for investment in digital inclusion will come out of UKSPF funds.

The study findings shed light on the significant gaps in digital access, skills, and opportunities, highlighting the action needed to bridge the digital divide. 

Key findings included:

1. Limited Access: A sizeable number of local people face barriers to getting online, including inadequate connections and a lack of personal devices. This has been exacerbated following the pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. 
2. Digital Skills Gap: The research shows a substantial gap in digital skills among various groups and age ranges, making it harder for some people to navigate digital platforms, use online resources, and fully participate in the digital economy. This increases any existing inequalities and puts people at a clear disadvantage in today's digital world. Surprisingly, it is not just the older generation or those with limited literacy who mistrust new technology or lack the necessary skills. The study showed younger people might be a whizz on social media, but unable to use other tools such as email or complete online job application forms. 
3. Social and Economic Implications: There are many knock-on effects arising from the digital skills gap. People who are digitally excluded face challenges in finding work, accessing healthcare services, staying connected with friends and family, or joining in local activities or groups. 

On the plus side, CBN noted that the city already had a robust network of community groups and agencies, who were either already working on digital inclusion or were interested in doing so. It concluded that the most cost-effective solution to tackle the challenges of digital exclusion would be to offer recycled or free devices such as tablets or subsidised affordable or shared access to wifi.

It proposed that this would best be delivered by a consortium of organisations establishing a new cooperative enterprise to support Community Wealth Building principles called the 'Preston Digital Co-operative'.

The Co-operative would work in a joined-up way across the public, private and third sectors to ensure that with the right kit, access to a network and complementary training programmes, everyone across the city would be able to access all that technology had to offer.

Preston City Council have approved the adoption of these proposals and are currently planning to establish Preston Digital Co-operative with a launch date expected early in the new year. In the longer term the aspiration is for Preston Digital Cooperative to become a locally based provider offering services to Preston residents, businesses, and organisations alike. 

Leader of Preston City Council Councillor Matthew Brown said:

 "This study confirms many in Preston are not accessing the benefits of digital technology that many other traditionally better off communities take for granted. However, as a transformative local authority we are determined to do something about it.

"Plans for a new Preston based digital cooperative structured to benefit people and place will benefit many through low cost wifi or free and recycled devices. It also deepens our Community Wealth Building agenda by creating a new enterprise in the digital economy in local and common ownership". 

About the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government's Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit GOV.UK - UKSPF

More information

Preston City Council actively applies and prioritises the principles of Community Wealth Building wherever applicable and appropriate. Community Wealth Building is an approach which aims to ensure the economic system builds wealth and prosperity for everyone.