The Scottish Government has been called increase its efforts to tackle digital exclusion as one in six adults lack the digital skills needed for everyday life.

This is according to a new joint report from the Auditor General and Accounts Commission, which found that 15% of Scotland’s adult population lack a foundational level of digital skills.

The report took a ‘human rights’ approach, and included testimonials from people directly affected by digital exclusion to determine in the government’s current efforts are enough to mitigate the intersectional issue.

Digital exclusion can come in many forms, including a lack of access to the internet, technological devices, as well as basic digital skills allowing people to access and connect to essential online services.

Intersecting with poverty and education, digital exclusion affects Scots of all ages across all regions, but is a particularly hard hitting issue for those in rural and remote communities, as well as both the younger and older generations.

In short, the report found that not enough is being done to ensure people can get online, with the auditor general calling for clearer leadership and focus to tackle digital exclusion and its many harms.

90% of people in Scotland use the internet for work or personal use, and while 91% of Scottish households have access to the internet, that 9% shortfall can be devastating to individuals trying to access work, education, and basic services.

The report also found that, while the total number of people using and accessing the internet has risen in recent years, the proportion of people without the necessary skills to use it has stagnated.

Rural communities also are continually left behind despite broadband rollout efforts – rural residents have 79% superfast broadband coverage compared to 99% of those in urban areas, and may often pay the same premiums for poorer internet service.

This can drive young people away from rural and remote communities as they search for work opportunities which are often remote and require stable, high-speed internet access.

Further, public services are continually pushed online, including benefits forms, banking, and social services. As Elizabeth Anderson, CEO of Digital Poverty Alliance, told DIGIT: “We often think that if something is put online, it is free to access for everyone, but that just isn’t true,” Anderson said. “You need a device, internet access, you need data, to apply for a job, to access benefits, and that costs money. Not everyone has that access.”

Recommended reading

• Digital Poverty: Is There a Cure?
• Ending Digital Poverty Key to Ending Skills Gap
• UK Government’s Response to Digital Exclusion is Lacklustre, Lords Committee Says
• “No Confidence”: House of Lords Issues New Digital Exclusion Report

The report called out public bodies as they continually switch to fully-digitised services.

“All public bodies have a responsibility – they need to do more to support people to use digital tools in a way that benefits them and make sure they can access the services they need,” read a release about the paper.

The report found that the Scottish Government’s previous progress, spurred on during the pandemic and a £50m investment to provide devices, data and skills, has now slowed.

The Auditor General for Scotland and the Accounts Commission are therefore calling on the Scottish Government and the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) to develop a clear action plan, with clarity on leadership, roles, and responsibilities by the end of 2025.

“Digital technology is at the heart of public service reform,” Stephen Boyle, auditor general for Scotland, said.

“Increasing efficiency is vital to ensure services can be delivered cost-efficiently, at a time of ever-intensifying budget and service pressures.

“To achieve this, the Scottish Government must have clear actions to tackle and mitigate the impacts of digital exclusion. Failing to do so risks marginalising the most vulnerable people in our communities. Those who most depend on public services, must be at the forefront of the Government’s plans to reform how services are delivered.”

And it is not just up to the Scottish national government – local councils must work with government to best allocate resources and advocate for their constituents and their own particular struggles.

“Councils across Scotland, working collaboratively with local public, private and third sector partners. must be clearer about how they will reduce digital exclusion in their local area,” Nichola Brown, member of the Accounts Commission said.

“COSLA has a vital role in setting out clear commitments and actions to support councils to deliver on digital.”