The UK government is rolling out free digital training and support to get more people online across every region of the country.

The minister for digital inclusion, Liz Lloyd, is unveiling 90 local schemes receiving backing from the £11.7 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund.

The fund is set to support projects in communities across the UK, helping people at risk of being left behind get the access, skills and confidence they need to get online, improve their living standards, and access vital services on the web.

Research suggests there are currently eight million adults in the UK who lack basic digital skills, according to the UK government, and 1.6 million who live offline altogether.

This prevents them from accessing convenient digital government services online, managing their finances on their phone, or searching for job opportunities.

This not only blocks opportunities, but can also make services more expensive, with people without internet access paying on average 25% more than consumers who are online.

Schemes and projects will range in reach and scope, with young people learning new digital skills through e-sports, elder people learning how to use the NHS app, and unhoused people accessing devices and data to get online to access essential services.

The success of the projects will be used to inform future initiatives to help get more people online.

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“This government is tearing down the barriers to success and making the future work for all, not just the fortunate,” minister for digital inclusion, Liz Lloyd, said.

“Being online is something many of us take for granted, but for millions it could mean a new job opportunity, quicker access to healthcare or a lifeline to the local community.

“This fund will both empower community organisations to help those most at risk of being left behind get the skills, access and confidence they need – while also informing how we can help even more people in the future.”

Portions of the fund will go toward community organisations, while some has been allocated to devolved governments. Scotland will receive £746,020 from the fund.