Twelve months on, the government has shared an update reporting on progress. The plan was hoped to not just support getting people online, but to support learning, work, financial situations, as well as with helping people stay connected with family and friends – all contributing to a better quality of life.

The government reported that 1.6 million people do not have internet access, with more lacking access to devices or skills to get online. Often this group is already disadvantaged, either through disability, being older or in lower income demographics – inhibiting their access to this better quality of life. 

The 2025 plan defined digital inclusion as “ensuring everyone has the access, skills, support and confidence to participate in and benefit from our modern digital society, whatever their circumstances”. 

Leadership support was required to deliver the ambitious plans. Progress has been made through establishing a Digital Inclusion and Skills Unit within DSIT, a Ministerial Group for Digital Inclusion has brought together the key stakeholders responsible for delivering long-term plans, and The Digital Inclusion Action Committee and three sub committees were formed in June 2025 to ensure policy support plans. In addition, external support has been engaged through DSIT to ensure the government utilises expert knowledge on design and digital inclusion. 

The plan laid out four key objectives; building better digital skills, helping more people get internet access and a device to use it, ensuring online services are simple to use (with offline options too), and putting in place more trusted local help.

Where are we now?

In the government’s annual update, they confirmed the initial steps they had taken to prioritise and identify who needed support first. 

The government launched an £11.9 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund, supporting local projects across the UK to help people get online with confidence. 

The fund has delivered one‑to‑one digital support delivered by Women’s Wellbeing, providing coaching to learn essential digital skills, from setting up an email account to completing job applications.

The fund has also partnered with Age UK to deliver sessions to older groups about how to use the internet and on digital skills. 

A device donation pilot is being run, allowing the Digital Poverty Alliance to collect unwanted devices which are refurbished and given to those in need. 

Other partners such as O2 Virgin Media and LS-TEN Sky Up Hub are creating spaces with devices where those who do not have access at home can come in and use devices and the internet, or provide free phones where possible to keep people connected.

What’s Next?

Whilst the majority of initiatives are at early stages, the government has committed to delivering against their ambitions and building on the progress made so far. They have laid out a six point plan to support this:

1. Help more people get fast, reliable and affordable internet

This will be delivered through working with telecoms providers to ensure they deliver cheaper broadband packages for those requiring it. Partners such as Three, CityFibre, WightFibre and BT will be involved in delivery. 

2. Ensure more people get the devices they need

The piloted donation schemes will be expanded. This will be delivered through encouraging donations of unwanted devices and assessing people’s needs so they get access to the type of device required. The IT Reuse for Good Charter is being delivered alongside the Good Things Foundation, Vodafone, Three, and Deloitte UK, to encourage more organisations to donate end-of-life devices.

3. Strengthen effective digital support in local communities, applying what we have learnt

The government will ensure digital inclusion programmes are delivered by trusted local people and institutions. DSIT and Google are working with local councils in the North East to provide digital and AI skills training for over 100 care leavers and their advisers so far. Others such as Lloyds Banking Group are also involved in delivering resources to improve digital skills. 

4. Own and update the Essential Digital Skills Framework

The current framework outlines the skills needed for people in life and work. This will be updated to reflect emerging skills such as AI. 

5. Make digital services work for everyone

The GOV.UK Service Manual will be updated to reflect accessibility and inclusivity standards, as well as ensuring non-digital versions remain accessible across a variety of channels (phone, face-to-face etc). The government will also design delegate or proxy access to ensure those who need support from trusted friends or family members can utilise this option to use government services, without compromising on their own security and control.

6. Embed digital inclusion across government

The Ministerial Group for Digital Inclusion will ensure cross-collaboration between departments to make sure digital inclusion is built into everyday services and government plans.

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Overall, the government has vocalised the need for multiple departments and partners to be involved to deliver the Digital Inclusion Plan. They will measure the impact of programmes and refine as the rollout progresses.

Ultimately, one year on, the Digital Inclusion Action Plan shows clear intent and encouraging progress, but its real success will depend on sustained delivery at scale. Strong foundations have been set – targeted funding, industry partnerships, and digital skills programmes – but to create equal access for the 1.6 million currently excluded will take consistent and long-term delivery.