By Bill Heaney
Scottish Labour has said that the “scandal” of digital exclusion must be tackled to ensure no-one is left behind in the digital revolution.
New analysis by Scottish Labour has revealed that people in the most deprived parts of Scotland are almost four times more likely to report having no internet access than those in the least deprived areas.
The most recent Scottish Household Survey revealed that while just 3.7 per cent of households in the least deprived communities in Scotland reported having no internet access, 13.4 per cent of those in the most deprived areas said the same.
On Tuesday Scottish Labour will publish a paper setting out its high level vision on technology and begin a series of roundtables with the industry to further develop policy.
The party will look at how to expand Scotland’s tech industry, and how to embed technology across our economy and our public services.
Given the growing role technology will play across society and the opportunities it will create, Scottish Labour will also examine the issue of digital exclusion and explore solutions to address it.
Ofcom has recently warned that Scotland is by many metrics the least connected nation in the UK.
Their 2024 report noted that Scotland had the lowest rate of full-fibre access in the UK, the lowest rate of rural superfast broadband coverage, and the highest rate of 4G not spots.
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar said “Technology has the power to transform our economy and our public services, but we need to ensure that no-one is left behind.
“The SNP has failed to tackle digital exclusion in Scotland, meaning communities across the country are at risk of missing out on the opportunities technology can provide.
“Whether it’s removing the barriers preventing the most deprived communities from getting online or building infrastructure in rural Scotland, the SNP must ensure that everyone is connected.
“Scottish Labour is determined to put Scotland at the forefront of the digital revolution and ensure that everyone can benefit.”
On Tuesday, Scottish Labour will launch its Technology Consultation on a strategy for inclusion, innovation and growth.
Households with home internet access by Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation quintiles, 2023:
|
Answer |
Quintile 1 (most deprived) |
Quintile 5 (least deprived) |
|
Yes |
86.6% |
96.3% |
|
No |
13.4% |
3.7% |
Table 4_2: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-household-survey-2023-results-internet/
Ofcom Connected Nations Scotland 2024 report:
- “Scotland remains, by many metrics, the least connected of the UK’s four nations.”
- Highest rate of 4G not spots.
- Lowest full fibre access.
- Lowest rural residential superfast broadband coverage.
- 65,000 premises in Scotland cannot access “decent” broadband, including just 16,000 premises which cannot access “decent” broadband or the equivalent speeds via fixed internet.