New funding to get 23,000 low income households online

The Scottish Government has announced £15m in funding to help low income families get better access to the internet.

The scheme, part of the Connecting Scotland programme, will provide 23,000 low income households with a device, twelve months unlimited data and technical support.

Announcing the move, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said local authorities and third sector organisations would help identify recipients, prioritising disadvantaged families with children and young people leaving care.

She said: “It has never been more important to be connected and online. It enables us to access information about how to stay safe and healthy during COVID-19, keep in touch with friends and family, and study or work.

“I am therefore very pleased to be able to extend our Connecting Scotland programme and tackle the digital divide by reaching over 30,000 households across both phases that are experiencing difficulties with online access.

“An additional £15m will help thousands of families and young care leavers who could not otherwise afford to get online, making sure they are not further disadvantaged by providing the necessary hardware, data, and skills they need to get connected.

“This builds on £25m investment in devices and connectivity which will support around 70,000 school pupils.”