How digital inclusion threads through the key Autumn Budget priorities

Our research shows digital inclusion is foundational 

We heard the Chancellor’s call to “invest, invest, invest” during the Autumn Budget statement. Our group CEO Helen Milner welcomed the £240 million that will get Britain working again and looks forward to seeing essential digital skills and access for life, work and health foregrounded in the Pathways to Work pilots. But our research shows that a £1 billion investment in digital inclusion could generate over £13 billion for the UK economy - nearly £10 return for every £1 invested. And we know that digital inclusion is the foundation for people to fully participate in society - and investment should be strengthened in these key areas for future budgets and strategies. 

Economic growth and digital access

The new pilots to get people back to work are promising and have good potential to stimulate economic growth. However, digital inclusion must be part of these pilots.

Our own pilots show that learning digital skills in community settings can lead to people taking up further training and ending up in employment. Learn more about our Digital Skills Pathway on how digital inclusion supports employment.

Health, social care and digital accessibility

The Budget’s additional £22.6 billion for healthcare could have a transformative impact, but digital health access remains a major gap for many - at least 20.7 million people are still not using the NHS app.

We urge the Government to ensure that online health services and tools are accessible to everyone to mitigate risks of digital exclusion in health systems.

Learn more about digital inclusion in healthcare.

Affordable connectivity and rurality

In 2024, Ofcom reported 24% of households had difficulty affording communication services. Rural connectivity is improving but still challenging. We welcome continued investment and look forward to working with DSIT to make affordable and reliable connectivity a reality.

Find out more about the digital divide and ruralities from our Director of Evidence and Engagement, Dr Emma Stone.

Digital skills and AI readiness

The upcoming AI Opportunities Action Plan will outline how public services and the economy might benefit from AI. But to ensure that people, and critically our workforce, can fully leverage AI, digital and media literacy but be recongised as the essential foundations for AI literacy.

Our research highlights that a foundation in digital skills makes people more confident and ready to engage with AI tools and other emerging technologies. Read our report on AI literacy for people with low or no digital skills.

“[I hope] we see investment in digital inclusion, making sure that people have the basic digital skills they need and have that affordable access so we can bring them to those better services." - Helen Milner

Education and essential skills for all

The Government’s £300 million investment in further education and the creation of Skills England will help bridge gaps in skills training across the UK. But what about the digital skills gap? Our latest polling showed only 22% of adults feel confident in using digital skills to advance their careers. Closing this gap is critical so that everyone can boost their skills and confidence to participate in our digital workforce.

Connectivity and resources at home

While additional funding for schools is essential, nearly half of UK families still lack critical digital skills, devices, or connectivity at home. As digital learning becomes the norm, children need access to resources outside the classroom to succeed. Explore our research on the Minimum Digital Living Standard for Households with Children to see what people really need to participate in our modern world.

Prioritising digital inclusion to rebuild Britain

The government is "committed to delivering a decade of national renewal by fixing the foundations of the economy and rebuilding Britain, making every part of the country better off." And while we look forward to this investment, we hope there is priority put on the real foundation to economic growth: digital inclusion.