Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham is encouraging businesses and community groups help the poorest in the region have access to the internet.

Mr Burnham, working alonside digital inclusion charity Good Things Foundation, has launched the Greater Manchester Databank as a response to the cost-of-living crisis

He is calling on organisations to apply for access to the databank, through which they can support residents experiencing inequalities with connectivity offers, such as 12 months free data and access to digital skills training and support.

Mr Burnham said: “The time has come where we need to see digital connectivity and the ability to participate digitally as a basic human right.

"The National Databank from Good Things Foundation will go a long way in helping us tackle the issue of digital poverty and supporting our residents to ensure they do not get left behind, so I’m pleased to be launching a drive for take up of this offer across Greater Manchester."

Helen Milner OBE, group CEO of the Good Things Foundation said: “We’re delighted to launch the databank in Greater Manchester, an area that is doing so much work to tackle digital exclusion and support disadvantaged families. Together, we can fix the digital divide - for good.”