Information Computer Technology (ICT) exclusion is an increasingly important element of broader social exclusion problems. On the one hand, social exclusion is significantly overcome through using the new digital technologies. On the other hand, it is those who are socially excluded who are least likely to be able to access new digital technologies. This might be because of age, disability, income or many other factors.
The council's interest in breaking this vicious circle is twofold. The first interest is about improved wellbeing for North Lincolnshire residents. This involves tackling inequalities and supporting the most vulnerable.
Secondly, ICT inclusion is a big factor in the Government's performance framework for enabling e-services. The council continues to improve its performance on enabling services for electronic delivery. Enabling processes for e-delivery is one thing. Enabling people to use them is another.
There are three tests for the e-government agenda. These are take-up, satisfaction levels, and cost-effectiveness. Yet it's the potentially excluded groups who most need central and local government services. And it's those groups who are less able to take part.
This limits the council's scope for making efficiency savings. Electronic delivery is the cheapest of all of the customer contact channels once it has been mainstreamed. Yet the business case for e-services only pays off if excluded groups are able to use them. The council must ensure that they can if it is to realise the potential benefits.
A strategic approach is needed for these issues. Former NorthLincsNet staff have expertise in adapting technologies for wider community use. They also manage projects to bring excluded groups to the technologies. It is likely the NorthLincsNet brand will no longer be used for this work. The proposal is for a Digital Inclusion Unit (DIU) to lead for the council on a strategic commitment to ICT inclusion in North Lincolnshire.