A 21st Century Solution

Chris Fletcher, Policy, Campaigns and Communications Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, looks at a solutions to digital poverty. 

A few weeks ago I wrote a piece highlighting digital poverty in which I described it as a 21^st Century Problem.

To say it touched a few people’s hearts and minds that prompted more of a response than any other piece I’d written would be an understatement. This is definitely an issue of our times and one that has been brought into sharp focus over the last 7 months and, as I write this ahead of possible further measures to combat Covid 19,  one that will be with us for some time to come….unless we come up with some action. A 21^st century problem needs a 21^st century solution. And looking at the emails and comments there are many others out there that feel exactly the same way.

It’s clear from speaking with businesses and others that the problem of digital poverty has never been more widely understood, recognised nor needed an answer.

As I keep saying to people it’s more than just poor wifi or non-existent phone signals.

In too many cases areas too many households don’t have the means to tap into our ‘new’ digital world or if they do there may be a lack of adequate skills to make the most of opportunity.

More and more of the everyday is moving online, not just shopping but, for many of those who need  support most in our communities, more and more access to help is going digital.

In our jobs more and more tasks rely on basic levels of digital skills to function – even just basic input functions may be beyond some people’s abilities – don’t assume everyone is as ‘comfortable’ as you in this new digitally driven world.

With the virus far from spent, the return of home schooling is a reality once more as bubbles get collapsed in our education establishments and students sent home. From primary through to FE Learning from Home is as real as Working from Home. Imagine then a situation where an average family is working and learning at home – possibly 4 devices would be needed and, of course, the accompanying space. I suggest this is a real life example for many and I dread to think about a parent being in the position of having to decide what’s more important: using a device for their child’s education or for their work?

I could go on with more examples like this. Not theoretical ‘what ifs’ but real life situations and circumstances that lay bare the reality of what we are dealing with.

One thing that has cheered me up though is the positive responses from people and organisations already looking at this and developing truly brilliant and ingenious ways of dealing with the issue – genuine 21^st Century Solutions.

So what’s next? Over the next few weeks, and launching at our Autumn Assembly on 16^th October, we’ll be focussing on key aspects of this issue, from employment and skills to the broadband infrastructure, from how we build our homes and work places to inclusion and  social mobility. We will be holding a series of roundtables and asking a series of questions to engage with businesses and other organisations to not just develop a strategy but deliver an action plan to tackle this huge problem that for too long has gone unnoticed.

Look out for more details in due course and if you want to get involved or have something to share now then drop me a line at chris.fletcher@gmchamber.co.uk .