Merseyside Digital Development

A strategy to get the last third of unconnected UK citizens online is now being drawn up, according to Paul Murphy MP, Minister for Digital Inclusion, at yesterday’s National Digital Inclusion Conference, also attended by GMDDA. In his first speech since his appointment, he revealed the strategy could be in place by summer.

Some 17 million citizens in the UK did not have access to a computer, either at home or at work, he said, “Chances are these people come from an older or socially, economically or geographically disadvantaged group”.

The new cabinet committee set up by Mr Murphy met for the first time last week, “We came up with the following mission statement: To co-ordinate policies and a coherent strategy that all citizens, especially the disadvantaged, can benefit from new technologies,” he told the conference.

Delegates welcomed the appointment of the first cabinet minister to have responsibility for digital exclusion.

“The vision from government seems now to be bigger and bolder,” said Helen Milner, managing director of UK Online centres, community-based groups aimed at connecting the disconnected.

David Parr, Chair of the Greater Merseyside Digital Development Agency agreed, “This is a clear indication that the priorities of GMDDA, tackling digital exclusion in our communities, is also being addressed by central government.”

These views were echoed by Professor Dennis Kehoe, Director of the AIMES Centre at the University of Liverpool, “It is good to hear that Government is addressing digital inclusion at Cabinet-level, comments expressed today mirror exactly our objectives in the Digital Inclusion & Enterprise Programme for Merseyside. There is a clear link between digital inclusion and economic prosperity”

GMDDA and AIMES are currently working with other partners, including local councils, to digitally enable over 5,000 residents, as well as encouraging enterprise development and other initiatives, such as homeshoring. Read more about the programme here: http://diep.aimes.net/