Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet today approved a suite of digital inclusion recommendations aimed at helping people get online.
Following a Policy Development Panel (PDP) review of what more could be done to remove barriers to accessing services online, and increase levels of digital inclusion in the county, the following recommendations were approved to go ahead:
- Creation of a Digital Inclusion Fund, aimed at funding community projects that support increased digital inclusion
- Adoption of the Digital Health and Care Guiding Principles developed by Healthwatch Suffolk, in co-production with service users, to underpin the Council’s own development of online services
- Commitment of up to £77k to the community ‘Digital Champions’ initiative and training offer, enabling its expansion across the county and extending the initiative until October 2023
- Further development of the council’s pioneering approach to digital health and care through its Cassius service.
These approved recommendations will provide the blueprint for a Digital Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan which will span the next three years; setting out to have a positive impact on those who are missing out on the benefits of being online, in areas such as job prospects, finances, learning opportunities, health, and wellbeing. Helping people to become digitally included will, in turn, bring wider social benefits.
The County Council and its partners want Suffolk to be a place where residents understand the benefits of being online, are aware of opportunities, feel safe and confident online and are supported to develop their skills and thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Councillor Matthew Hicks, Suffolk County Council’s Leader, said:
“Everything we do in life, especially since the pandemic is becoming increasingly more digital, so now more than ever it is essential that all residents feel they can access services digitally and make the most of being online.
“We recognise that there are some hurdles which may be putting people off embracing the digital world, but this puts them at a disadvantage and could rob them of opportunities which they could otherwise benefit from.
“Approving these recommendations and demonstrating our commitment to upskilling residents and helping them feel more confident online will help people to be better informed, pay less for things, be more employable, feel more independent, be less isolated, and live happier, healthier, easier lives.”
