Just over one year from the publication of an excoriating report, exactly nothing has changed

A year ago a bombshell report outlined the reality of digital exclusion in Scotland.

It said the country’s leadership on the issue had faltered, momentum had stalled and thousands risked being left behind without urgent action.  

Just over one year from the publication of the Audit Scotland report, exactly nothing has changed.

The Scottish Government has now come fire under for its inaction.

Campaigners say there is still no updated national strategy, no published action plan and no clear political leadership or accountability in Scotland.

Failing to address digital inclusion matters as it intensifies the impacts felt by already vulnerable people – due to poverty, age or because they have a disability.

Whole communities are being left behind as services move online and dependence on technology grows.

In the year since the Audit Scotland report, the dial has not shifted: far too many people are still being locked out of our digital world, as 15% of adults lack foundational digital skills - the basics like turning on a device, connecting to the internet or managing passwords.  

Meanwhile, 9% of households have no internet access at all and in Scotland, six in every ten households don’t meet the Minimum Digital Living Standard - reflecting insufficient access to digital goods, critical skills and services.  

Last year’s Audit Scotland report found that the Scottish Government had previously worked well with councils and the third sector to tackle digital exclusion, notably at the peak of the Covid pandemic in 2020.

Then, £50 million was invested to provide access to devices, data and skills.

But since then, momentum has stopped, national leadership weakened and less funding made available.

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) has been campaigning hard on the issue of digital inclusion and exclusion, and has castigated the Scottish Government over its lack of action.

David McNeill, SCVO’s strategic director of development, said: “It’s been a year since Audit Scotland warned that Scotland was falling behind on digital inclusion, but we’re still waiting for strategy, delivery plan and visible leadership from the Scottish Government.” 

“Digital exclusion isn’t just about technology – it is both a cause and consequence of poverty.  Being digitally included means people have access to healthcare, education, employment and connection to society. Without it, people are excluded from opportunities most of us take for granted. Urgent action is needed to avoid deepening inequality and locking thousands of people out of vital services and opportunities. 

“While the Scottish Government was world leading in its response to tackling digital exclusion during the pandemic, momentum has been lost and it is now lagging behind. The UK Government has taken decisive steps, including the recent launch of a £9.5 million Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund. There’s been no indication of how the Scottish Government intend to use its share of that funding. 

“Scotland has the vision, the expertise, and the partnerships needed to deliver digital inclusion. What’s missing is Government leadership and a properly funded plan.” 

The Scottish Government said a “refreshed plan” is due later in the year, as are details of how the UK Government fund will be spent north of the border.

A spokesman told TFN: “The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that everyone in Scotland has the skills, confidence, and access they need to participate fully in the digital world.

“Our National Digital Strategy sets out the measures we are taking to support the most vulnerable and digitally excluded people in the country to access technology, understand its benefits and limitations, and develop the skills they need to stay safe online. We are currently working with Cosla to refresh this strategic plan to bring a bigger focus on delivery and respond to changing circumstances. The refreshed plan is expected to publish later this year.

“We are supporting this work with £10m of Scottish Government funding in 2025-26 to support improved digital access for those learners who need it most. 

“The UK Government has recently confirmed a Barnett consequentials allocation to the Scottish Government following the launch of its Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund initiative. Details on how we plan to allocate this funding will be announced in due course.”

Read David McNeill's take on this issue here.