Year Published: 2021
Date Published: 03/05/2021
Author/s: LLEP
Research Link: https://llep.org.uk/app/uploads/2021/05/Paper-C-Appendix-2-LLEP-Digital-Poverty-Call-for-Evidence-Analysis.pdf
Methodology: A survey of local partners was used to gather information which was mainly qualitative but could be categorised by emerging themes. Existing local evidence was also gathered e.g. reports or surveys already conducted by partners or data held (for example form local colleges in regards to support given during the pandemic).
Key Takeaways:
Issues centred around 3 main areas: Connectivity; Skills; Devices. Qualitative evidence pointed to the role of 1-2-1 help to improve digital skills for those most in need.
Support services for disadvantaged people (e.g. housing support) are increasingly spending time on the digital issues of clients, for example accessing basic services such finding jobs, applying for benefits or booking an appointment as more services move online.
Stewart Smith
Digital poverty can be defined as the inability to access or utilise digital technologies effectively. It is predominantly caused by a lack of digital skills and/or an inability to access digital technology (for example, unable to afford a laptop or broadband, or live in a rural area with poor broadband).
The issue has been subject of much discussion during the past year at a national level, but local knowledge was often anecdotal or disjointed. To address this knowledge gap, the Digital Poverty Call for Evidence was requested by the LLEP Skills Advisory Panel to provide more granular data on digital poverty across Leicester and Leicestershire and ensure that any funds available, such as the repurposed Growing Places Fund, were targeted appropriately.
The LLEP Digital Poverty call for evidence was launched in March 2021 and lasted for six weeks to mid-April 2021. In all, 31 detailed responses were received from a survey (see appendix for questions) and other supplementary evidence was gathered directly from partners such as local authorities, public heath, colleges and voluntary groups.