Written question WQ84392

Tackling poverty and inequality is a priority for this Government and we see digital inclusion as a key social justice and equalities issue.

We have seen during the pandemic the significant role digital plays in society. Whether engaging with health services, maintaining contact with friends and families or continuing to work and learn during periods of lockdown, digital has been critical.

Those we deem to be digitally excluded are people who are increasingly being marginalised in society. As a Government we are working to ensure that no citizen is left behind as we embrace a digital first approach and digital inclusion will be at the heart of all we deliver. Therefore, designing services around the needs of the users, and not organisational structures, is essential in ensuring they are more accessible and inclusive, eliminating barriers that prevent people from being treated equally.

The Digital Strategy for Wales, a Programme for Government commitment, makes clear our aim to support everyone to gain the motivation, confidence and basic digital skills needed to make informed decisions and choose how they participate in, and make the most of, our increasingly digital world. The Strategy also makes clear that for people who cannot, or decide not to, participate digitally, we will continue to provide alternative ways to access public services in Wales to be equally as good as those offered online.

An example of this has been the COVID Pass, required in a domestic venue or event. Whilst primarily designed as a digital service, in recognition that there are individuals who would be unable to obtain a pass online, the Wales Vaccine Certification Service was enabled to take telephone calls and provide paper vaccine certification certificates to those who are digitally excluded. The service has provided over 190,000 paper passes to date and has helped to reduce the impact faced by many of the businesses which fall under the category of domestic venue or event.

The barriers to addressing digital inequalities are many and varied and require the support of many groups and individuals as we design, develop and deliver interventions. Motivation remains a significant challenge to overcome for those who do not use the internet, with many not understanding the personal benefits that digital technologies can have on their lives.

Through our digital inclusion and health procured programme, Digital Communities Wales: Digital Confidence, Health and Well-being (DCW), we are working with organisations from all sectors that can help reach digitally excluded people. The programme is designed to provide training and support to front line staff, volunteers and organisations in order to engage with and develop the basic digital skills of citizens and enable them to engage with vital services.

Since the contract started, in July 2019, DCW has supported an estimated 76,169 citizens with the motivation and basic digital skills needed to use the internet effectively. The Minister for Health and Social Services and I have recently agreed to extend the DCW programme for a further three years, until 30 June 2025, aligning to the Digital Strategy aim to provide support to people who want to go online and use digital services.

Our work is reliant on partner organisations (across public, private and third sectors) and committed individuals (of all ages). We will continue to work with and learn from our stakeholders on ways to positively impact and make progress in addressing the fundamental digital inequalities.