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The PAT15 Report
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The Government has warned that people living in our most deprived neighbourhoods risk being
excluded from new technologies like the Internet and email but has outlined the ways it will
tackle this digital divide.
In April 2000, Champion Minister Patricia Hewitt and Learning and Technology Minister Michael
Wills launched 'Closing the Digital Divide' a report by the Policy Action Team 15 (PAT 15).
They also announced a new initiative that will track access to new technologies, giving an annual
snapshot of e-Britain.
Ms Hewitt said:
"To prosper nationally and compete globally we need to empower all our people to play an active
part in society. That it why it is vitally important that everyone has access to new and emerging
technologies like the Internet and email. The Prime Minister recently set the target of everyone
in the UK having an email address by 2005.
"We cannot risk leaving behind people living in our poorest communities. We must close the digital
divide so everyone can reap the benefits of living in an e-nation. Government, business and
voluntary and community organisations must work more closely together to help achieve this aim.
Mr Wills added:
"The very technology that has the power to empower us all also has the potential to increase the
problems of social exclusion unless we act to bridge the digital divide. This report will help
shape and drive the work that is already under way to close that divide.
"I am also pleased to announce that we will be tracking access to new technology, the information
will help us monitor the impact our work is having and to target resources on the groups most at
need.
The PAT15 report recommends that:
- People in every deprived urban neighbourhood should have access to computers, the Internet, email
and other emerging information and communication technologies (ICTs).
- All of these neighbourhoods should have at least one public access point. These should be located
in places where people feel at ease such as local community centres, libraries, religious centres,
post offices, bus and train stations and shopping centres.
- Experts and mentors drawn from the local community should be on hand to provide training and
support.
Examples of how ICTs can help people in disadvantaged communities:
- Employment
People, including some with learning difficulties, are finding jobs because they have learnt an
developed their IT skills.
- On-line job clubs
For people looking for work.
- On-line banking
Some on-line banks may be more willing than high street banks to offer services to people in
deprived areas.
- On-line shopping
Especially for those looking after young children or who have transport difficulties.
- On-line health
Learning about health and preventative health measures, e.g. NHS Direct. Joining local health and
sports clubs, and finding out where to go for slimming groups, swimming classes, or smoker's
support groups.
- On-line Government
Better access to Government services such as logging home repairs with your local council on-line,
or visiting Government websites for information and services such as child benefit, driving
licences and education.
Order copies of "Closing
the Digital Divide" here.
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