Senior leaders from the UK met in Manchester to work on fixing the digital divide.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) met with representatives from the Scottish and Welsh governments and from telecommunications providers, the social housing sector, charities, academia and other local authorities.

Half of people over 75 lack basic digital skills so are unable to access healthcare, public services, or online banking.

In Greater Manchester, one in five residents live in social housing and an estimated 60 per cent  face levels of digital and social exclusion, unable to participate fully in life or education.

At the Fix the Digital Divide event the University of Liverpool launched a researched report commissioned by the GMCA about how to get the area online.

It brought together five telecommunication providers, five social housing providers and local authorities to engage with 5,000 residents in the region to address how to five the digital divide in social housing.

The panel discussed the need for more direct Government intervention in the telecommunications market which would support the creation of conditions for more people to be involved digitally.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester said: “Everyone regardless of age, background or situation should be able to equally participate in in life, education and access health services. In today’s digital age the reality is that to do so our people need to be online and have appropriate support to get online. 

Nick Horne, digital inclusion lead for Greater Manchester Housing Partnership said: “These outcomes are nationally significant and provide the basis for a framework of good practice across the UK. Bringing together the collective experience and expertise of our housing providers, GMHP work in partnership to create lasting solutions to the housing crisis and other complex challenges facing the city region, delivering additionality and value through our collaboration."