Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Public Sector Websites (Data Charges)

12 March 2024 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Simon Lightwood Labour (Co-op) Wakefield and Rothwell

EconomyTaxationEnergy

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Simon Lightwood raised concerns about public sector websites (data charges) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Mr Lightwood moved a Bill to require internet service providers to offer free access to public sector websites such as gov.uk and nhs.uk
  • Nearly 2 million UK households were unable to afford broadband in October 2023, with 16% of universal credit claimants behind on their broadband bill
  • Lightwood proposed extending zero-rating of public sector websites into a legal requirement for all UK network providers

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Simon Lightwood Labour (Co-op) Wakefield and Rothwell

Mr. Lightwood moved a Bill that would require internet service providers to offer free access to public sector websites such as gov.uk and nhs.uk, addressing the financial burden faced by millions of households struggling with broadband costs during the cost of living crisis. He cited statistics showing nearly 2 million UK households were unable to afford broadband in October 2023, up from over a year ago, noting that 16% of universal credit claimants reported being behind on their broadband bill compared to just 4% of non-claimants. During the pandemic, operators like Vodafone and EE provided free online access to NHS websites and other critical services through zero-rating, which Lightwood proposed extending into a legal requirement for all UK network providers.

Other contributors (1)
  • Simon Lightwood Lab Co-op Wakefield and Rothwell

    Mr. Lightwood emphasised the importance of ensuring digital access to public services during financial hardships, highlighting how zero-rating could ease financial pressures on vulnerable households by allowing free access to essential online resources without affecting data allowances. He shared a case study from his constituency where a young woman struggled with accessing necessary services due to insufficient funds for mobile data and stressed that such measures are crucial in mitigating the digital divide.

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