Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Internet Access

Thursday 10 February 2022 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government encourages broadband providers to roll out low-cost broadband social tariffs for low-income households.
  • Over 65% of premises can access gigabit-capable networks, but further action is needed.
  • Providers offer social tariffs but uptake needs to be improved.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Social Care Local Government
Context

The question arises from concerns about the digital divide affecting low-income individuals, older adults, and people with disabilities. During the pandemic, only 51% of households earning between £6,000 and £10,000 had home internet access.

Question

What steps is she taking to close the digital divide between people (a) with and (b) without access to the internet? The Local Government Association warns that digital exclusion impacts low-income individuals, older adults, and those with disabilities. In Portsmouth, 51% of households earning between £6,000 and £10,000 had home internet access at the start of the pandemic, significantly below the UK average for gigabit broadband availability.

Answer from Julia Lopez

Over 65% of premises can access gigabit-capable networks, but more needs to be done. The Government encourage broadband providers to roll out low-cost broadband social tariffs for low-income households via work coaches at jobcentres and are looking to boost digital skills by offering free digital qualifications up to level 1.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specifics of addressing affordability issues in Portsmouth were not directly addressed.

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Q2 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Social Care Economy Local Government
Context

Concerns about the digital divide persist, especially among low-income individuals, older adults, and people with disabilities. During the pandemic, only 51% of households earning between £6,000 and £10,000 had home internet access.

Question

The Local Government Association warns that digital exclusion is more likely to impact those on low incomes, over-65s, and people with a disability. At the start of the pandemic, only 51% of households earning between £6,000 and £10,000 had home internet access. With vulnerable people in Portsmouth increasingly being left behind by the Government, what specifically is the Minister doing to address affordability and bridge the digital divide?

Answer from Julia Lopez

Providers offer social tariffs but uptake needs improvement. We all have a responsibility to promote these tariffs so that those needing internet access can get it, looking at various initiatives to ensure people can go online because it is crucial for life chances.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specifics of addressing affordability and broadband availability in Portsmouth were not directly addressed.

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How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)