Appendix D: The Digital Divide in Gloucestershire

Bridging the Digital Divide: Key statistics on connectivity, skills, and digital inclusion in the UK and Gloucestershire

The Lloyds Bank 2024 Consumer Digital Index, The UK's most extensive study of digital and financial lives, states, 'Since 2020, 8.6 million more people have the highest digital capability. In the last year alone, around one million people have moved beyond the lowest digital capability. At the same time, the number of people digitally disengaged has steadily decreased. Now, just 3% (1.6 million) of people are offline, 3.9 million fewer than in 2016. There is an opportunity for 12.1 million to boost their digital capabilities.

Despite reducing overall digital exclusion, the gap between those with online access and those without has widened, leading to heightened inequalities. According to the Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS) report from the Good Things Foundation, digital access is critical for family life. Yet, poverty continues to hinder many households in the UK.

The increasing average time that people spend online, now around 4 hours and 20 minutes a day raises important questions about those who may be left behind in this digital shift. The implications can be profound creating a cycle in which those who are offline are more likely to experience unemployment and face higher costs for essential services, such as food and utilities. The inability to connect digitally leads to isolation from friends and family, which further exacerbates mental health challenges and limits educational and employment opportunities.

In essence, as society increasingly shifts towards online interactions and resources, those left behind face significant challenges that can shape their lives regarding social, economic, and educational opportunities. Addressing this digital divide is essential for a society where everyone has a chance to thrive.

Social Isolation: Those who are not online may experience a sense of isolation from the broader community, leading to feelings of loneliness and disconnection from social networks.

Employment Opportunities: Many job opportunities are now listed online, and applying requires digital skills and connectivity. Digitally excluded people may face significant challenges in finding work, leading to increased economic disparity and limiting their career advancement.

Cultural Integration: Online platforms often serve as a means for cultural exchange and awareness. Individuals not online miss out on critical cultural conversations, trends, and developments, potentially leading to a cultural disconnect that affects their ability to engage with diverse ideas and perspectives.

Reference Points and Information Access: The Internet has become a primary source of information. Those not online struggle to stay informed about current events, educational opportunities, and community resources, limiting their ability to make informed decisions in various aspects of their lives including shopping for the consumer and or marketing of goods/services/businesses.

Educational Disadvantages: There is a growing reliance on online resources in education. Students without internet access miss out on critical educational tools, widening the achievement gap between those who are connected and those who are not.

Remaining Connectivity Gaps: Data Think Broadband

Of the 328,303 premises in Gloucestershire an estimated 1.43% still lack access to superfast broadband (>=30 Mbps) (compared to 1.54% average in England) and 17.25% still lack access to gigabit capable broadband (compared to 17.8% average in England). This affects rural and low-income communities, hindering access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment.

Digital Skills Deficit: Our Digital Nation

In the UK approximately 8.5 million lack basic digital skills. While specific data for Gloucestershire is limited, based on the national figure 89,000 people in Gloucestershire, particularly older adults and those from deprived areas, may struggle with digital literacy.

Youth and Education Inequality: Good Things Foundation What the main UK datasets tell us

Nationally, 14% of young people aged 8-25 lack access to suitable devices for learning, with 4% lacking both a device and home internet. In Gloucestershire, this suggests that around 25,000 young people are adversely impacted by educational outcomes, particularly in areas with high rates of child poverty.

Standard of Living: ONS

Though Gloucestershire generally enjoys a high standard of living, 19,415 residents (3.1% of the population) live in areas classified as being among 10% of the most deprived nationally and are most likely to also be negatively affected by digital exclusion.

Growth of Older Population: ONS

The population aged 65 and older has grown at a rate of 26.8% since 2010, outpacing the younger population, which has increased by 7.4%. This trend may exacerbate digital exclusion among older adults.

Disability Employment Gap: The Good Things Foundation

25% of people with a disability or health condition lack Foundation Essential Digital Skills (CDI). The disability employment rate is significantly lower, while the unemployment rate among disabled individuals is notably higher. Digital solutions can bridge this gap, providing education opportunities for disabled people who are willing and able to work, contingent on adequate infrastructure and supportive employer practices.

Children in Care (16–17 years old)

Currently, there are 143 children in care post-16, with approximately one third are lacking a digital device.

Care Leavers (18+)

As of May 2025, Gloucestershire has 621 care leavers and regularly receives requests to support the costs of broadband and mobile packages. We must address these needs to ensure that care leavers have the digital access required to thrive in today's society.

Defining Digital Inclusion