Vulnerable groups in Wales are being left behind in the digital revolution – that’s the stark warning from a new report from Consumer Focus Wales.
The consumer champion’s latest report – Logged In or Locked Out? – brings together ten years of data from the Welsh Consumer Council and Consumer Focus Wales. It shows that those who either cannot or choose not to use the internet are in danger of missing out on access to information, and better deals in goods and services.
The findings makes a series of recommendations for national government, local government, regulators, telecoms companies and internet service providers in order to close the growing digital divide.
Sarah Richards, Senior Policy Advocate for Consumer Focus Wales, said: “Wales is in the midst of a digital revolution. The number of people who are online has risen steadily over the last ten years so that nearly seven out of ten adults have personal access to the internet. It is becoming integral to more aspects of our life than ever before.
“But the growing availability of information and bargains means that those who either cannot, or choose not to use with the internet are in danger of being locked out from accessing the best deals, and the most up-to-date information.
“Our research shows that while the debate about ‘not-spots’ is still important, we must not forget the ‘net-nots’ either: those people who either cannot get access, cannot afford access, or simply don’t see the benefit of logging on.
“As public services look to deliver services over the internet as a way to cut their costs, we have to ensure that those who need them are not forgotten. The very people most likely to need support – the elderly, the poorest in our society and those in remote rural areas - are the least likely to be able to access support online.”
The report highlights how age is still the single greatest indicator of whether you are likely to use the internet, with social class and geography also significant factors.
Ms Richards added: “While almost nine out of ten people aged 16-44 have access to the internet, for the over 65s, that figure falls to one in four. Public and private sector organisations who provide public information must ensure they don’t neglect those that are not online.
“The benefits to consumers of the internet are many, but we must ensure we do not end up in a country where people are institutionally locked out from information which may affect them – like weather warnings, or finding out information during food scares or looking at what our elected politicians are saying on our behalf.”
Key facts:
67% of households in Wales have a home internet connection
94% of home internet connections are broadband
People aged 35-44 are most likely to have a home internet connection (83%)
The consumer champion’s latest report – Logged In or Locked Out? – brings together ten years of data from the Welsh Consumer Council and Consumer Focus Wales. It shows that those who either cannot or choose not to use the internet are in danger of missing out on access to information, and better deals in goods and services.
The findings makes a series of recommendations for national government, local government, regulators, telecoms companies and internet service providers in order to close the growing digital divide.
Sarah Richards, Senior Policy Advocate for Consumer Focus Wales, said: “Wales is in the midst of a digital revolution. The number of people who are online has risen steadily over the last ten years so that nearly seven out of ten adults have personal access to the internet. It is becoming integral to more aspects of our life than ever before.
“But the growing availability of information and bargains means that those who either cannot, or choose not to use with the internet are in danger of being locked out from accessing the best deals, and the most up-to-date information.
“Our research shows that while the debate about ‘not-spots’ is still important, we must not forget the ‘net-nots’ either: those people who either cannot get access, cannot afford access, or simply don’t see the benefit of logging on.
“As public services look to deliver services over the internet as a way to cut their costs, we have to ensure that those who need them are not forgotten. The very people most likely to need support – the elderly, the poorest in our society and those in remote rural areas - are the least likely to be able to access support online.”
The report highlights how age is still the single greatest indicator of whether you are likely to use the internet, with social class and geography also significant factors.
Ms Richards added: “While almost nine out of ten people aged 16-44 have access to the internet, for the over 65s, that figure falls to one in four. Public and private sector organisations who provide public information must ensure they don’t neglect those that are not online.
“The benefits to consumers of the internet are many, but we must ensure we do not end up in a country where people are institutionally locked out from information which may affect them – like weather warnings, or finding out information during food scares or looking at what our elected politicians are saying on our behalf.”
Key facts:
67% of households in Wales have a home internet connection
94% of home internet connections are broadband
People aged 35-44 are most likely to have a home internet connection (83%)
Report available for download-
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