Question reference: S6W-13410
- Asked by: Colin Smyth, MSP for South Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 21 December 2022
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Current status: Answered by Ivan McKee on 19 January 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how it is promoting the support available to help with the rising cost of living to people without access to the internet.
Answer
Scottish Government communications have supported individuals with no access to the internet through a number of offline channels.
300,000 copies of the cost of living support leaflet ( https://www.gov.scot/publications/cost-of-living-support-leaflet/ ) were distributed via libraries, GP surgeries, Health Boards and other community channels. This has also been translated in a number of languages and formats such as British Sign Language and Easy read to enhance accessibility. Local and national press features as part of the national marketing campaign have allowed for an offline extension of the campaign across different areas of Scotland.
In addition, key partnerships were secured with Asda and Scotmid across 238 stores, translating to leaflets, posters and radio ads and creative assets were offered to over 600 partners, including local authorities.
Low income families who are struggling to pay for their digital connectivity can find a link to social tariff information on our Cost of Living website.