Four ways to tackle digital inequality in Greater Manchester

33% of people in Manchester, or one in three, experience some form of digital exclusion.

Which is a problem. Because the benefits of digital change will only be a true success if they’re accessible to everyone.

That’s why we’ve been working closely with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and created four commitments to the people of Manchester.

Four joint goals designed to build a brighter, digitally inclusive future for everyone.

1) Improving digital skills

Creating skills and providing the best possible employment for citizens topped the GMCA’s strategic priority list post-Covid.

Hardly surprising, since these are often seen as the two most essential conditions for levelling up society and promoting equal opportunities.

2) Tackling homelessness

“While the city centre’s skyline is filled with cranes, our streets should not be crowded with people who have no roof over their head. Rough sleeping and homelessness are not inevitable consequences of a 21st century economy.”

GMCA is absolutely determined to end homelessness and support everyone they can living on the streets.

So we’re doing all we can to help the team with homelessness support and by making sure shelters and community centres have free and enhanced connectivity.

3) Empowering people

Empowering people starts with making sure everyone – whatever age, location or situation – benefits from digital progress.

Yet, at the moment, people living in 25% of Manchester neighbourhoods are at a very high risk of being digitally excluded. And that means they don’t see the benefits digital progress brings.

4) Helping the community

That’s why, with the GMCA, we’ve been working closely with public, private and voluntary sectors to create new initiatives.

We’ve also been investing in building better shared services, improving the quality of life for the people of Manchester yet delivering real value for money.

There’s plenty more work to do

Of course, the ultimate goal of our work with GMCA is to help Greater Manchester deliver on its bold ambition to become a world class digital city.

And while better connectivity is crucial to delivering on this ambition, it’s never solely been about the tech.

It’s also about investing in people through a range of bold social initiatives. About giving people the skills and resources they need to get online and confidently access critical services.

That’s something we hope we’ve been able to help the GMCA with over the years.

And with the right strategy and investment in place, we hope we can carry on doing so for years to come.

Nations and Regions Programme activities

techUK champions the tech sector throughout the UK. We work with local authorities, devolved government, and local and national policy makers to advocate for the tech sector in strengthening economic growth and resilience across the nations and regions. Visit the programme page here