Agenda item

To receive an update report from the Chief Digital and Information Officer on the 100% Digital Leeds digital inclusion programme.

The report of the Chief Digital and Information Officer set out the latest annual update on the Council’s 100% Digital Leeds digital inclusion programme.

The report outlined some of the varied ways in which the programme aims to deliver improved outcomes for people in Leeds through digital inclusion. It also highlighted the increased recognition of digital inclusion as an ‘enabler’ to delivering many of the strategic priorities of the Council.

Those in attendance for this item were:

·  Jason Tutin (Digital Learning & Development Manager)

·  Amy Hearn (Digital Inclusion Co-Ordinator)

The Chair introduced the item by reflecting upon the development of the digital inclusion agenda since the Board originally considered the issues via an inquiry in 2015.

He noted the national recognition of the work taking place in Leeds and the role of the Digital Learning & Development Manager in shaping the 100% Digital Leeds programme.

It was noted that in previous years the Board has considered a ‘Smart Cities’ report alongside the 100% Digital Leeds update. Members were advised that this had been postponed due to the ongoing restructure of the Integrated Digital Service and the development of the City’s new Digital Strategy.

The Scrutiny Board requested that an update on the work previously badged as ‘Smart Cities’ be provided to members in the new municipal year.  

Jason Tutin informed the Scrutiny Board that the 100% Digital Leeds team is now part of the Integrated Digital Service and will be part of the Digital Change function in IDS following the service restructure.

Jason highlighted a higher prevalence of digital exclusion amongst people who are experiencing broarder social exclusion for a range of reasons including long-term health conditions, poverty, homelessness or disability.

The Board was advised that the 100% Digital team has always taken a ‘furthest first’ approach to digital inclusion, working with partners who support some of the most digitally excluded people in the city.

The Board considered how an individual’s digital inclusion journey changes over time and the solutions may also differ at different stages of their life.

It is estimated that tens of thousands of people in Leeds are likely to be digitally excluded and these figures are expected to rise once the period of the covid-19 pandemic is taken into consideration.

Jason reiterated that the vision for the service is that everyone in Leeds should have equal opportunity to use digital tools, technology and services in the right way for them.

Members discussed the importance of supporting organisations who already have trusted relationships with people who are digitally excluded.

Jason updated members on:

·  work with residents and staff in Leeds care homes

·  support for the Older People’s Digital Inclusion Network.

·  work with Beeston and Middleton Local Care Partnership to develop a local network of Digital Health Hubs.

·  work funded by the NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Group to increase digital inclusion for people with learning disabilities and autism.

·  work with prisoners to equip people with the digital skills required to find a home and access employment upon release.

·  Support for the Community Calling Campaign in Leeds, which gifted smartphones to people who were digitally excluded. 

Jason and Amy outlined the complexity of embedding digital inclusion within the support provided to people experiencing homelessness.

It was noted that the team will only engage with regional or national work if it is judged to have a direct benefit to people in Leeds who are digitally excluded.

Members drew comparisons with earlier and ongoing work to support literacy in order to enable people to access wider social and economic benefits.

Amy outlined the challenges and complexity of measuring the impact and outcomes of the work of the 100% Digital Leeds team. Members were keen that where measurable data is available it should be used to evidence the impact of the team. Members welcomed the use of case studies to illustrate the wide-ranging benefits an individual can experience through improved digital access.

The Board discussed the likelihood that those who are digitally excluded are also likely to be the heaviest users of some key public services. It was suggested that increasing digital inclusion for some people could create capacity within ‘in person’ channels in council and health services to ensure resources are directed as efficiently as possible.

It was agreed that digital inclusion was an important part of tackling poverty and inequality.

Members discussed the wide spectrum of digital inclusion, including being able to access information about decisions that will affect local communities. 

RESOLVED - Members agreed to:

a)  endorse the approach being taken to increase digital inclusion across the city through the delivery of the 100% Digital Leeds programme under the leadership of the 100% Digital team in IDS.

b)  That the Board should continue to provide oversight of the 100% Digital Leeds programme by receiving update reports on an annual basis.