Current status: Answered by Tom Arthur on 18 September 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what action it is taking in response to research by Family Fund indicating that 56% of surveyed families raising disabled children experienced digital exclusion due to a lack of internet access, device access and/or digital skills and confidence.
The Scottish Government recognises the barriers highlighted by the Family Fund research, including affordability, access to devices and connectivity, and lack of digital skills and confidence. We are taking action to address these.
Since 2024, the Scottish Government has committed more than £870,000 in grant funding to support over 50 locally-delivered digital inclusion projects across Scotland. We also continue to work with Ofcom and delivery partners to raise awareness of affordable connectivity options, including social tariffs.
Alongside this, we are developing a Digital Inclusion Delivery Plan, which will be published later this year. This will set out clear actions to address the wider barriers that prevent people from participating digitally and how we will work with partners, including local government, to achieve this.