State pensioners will receive free laptops and mobile phones through a new £9.5 million government fund designed to boost internet access among older people. The Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund specifically targets those born before 1959, who are statistically less likely to use the internet regularly.
The initiative forms part of the Labour government's Plan for Change, with local councils and authorities handling the distribution of devices to eligible pensioners. Funding will be awarded based on merit to the highest-scoring applications across all nine regions of England.
Government addresses digital divide
Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant (Labour) said: "It is unacceptable that in 2025, millions of people across the UK simply can't access the vast opportunities that technology and the online world offers." He described digital inclusion as essential for modern life rather than a luxury.
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology confirmed that digital exclusion prevents many people from reaching their full potential. Bryant highlighted practical benefits, noting that accessible technology could enable patients to speak remotely with GPs or help young people apply for jobs successfully.
Device donation programme planned
The fund includes plans to trial a device donation programme using refurbished Whitehall laptops for those most in need. The broader Digital Inclusion Action Plan identifies elderly and disabled people, low-income households, and job seekers as the groups most at risk of digital exclusion.
Bryant added: "Through this funding we're moving further to empower local leaders and groups nationwide, who are already working tirelessly to get their communities connected and change countless lives for the better."
Sources used: "Daily Record", "Manchester Evening News" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
