Older folks prone to being excluded from digital world, says charity
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lder persons are prone to being excluded from providers and assist in an ever-more digital world as councils probably fail to fulfil their equality duties, a charity has stated.
Age UK stated its analysis had discovered older folks reporting difficulties in making use of for a blue badge – out there for disabled folks to assist with extra handy parking – resulting from having to take action on-line.
Less than 1 / 4 of the 61 native organisations run by the charity in England and Wales, who responded to their survey, stated it was straightforward for people who find themselves offline to search out out about and apply for a blue badge of their space.
One in six organisations stated folks wanted to make use of the web to be able to apply for a blue badge, and about two-thirds stated folks have been additionally having difficulties accessing different council providers offline reminiscent of housing-related providers.
Millions of older persons are not pc customers in any respect and are at severe threat of being excluded from providers and assist to which they’re simply as entitled as everybody else, except actually good offline options are made out there and correctly publicised to them
The charity stated age and incapacity – each of which might be elements in digital exclusion – are protected traits beneath the Equality Act and due to this fact coated by the Public Service Equality Duty.
Age UK’s report acknowledged: “Councils should be considering equality considerations in the design of policies and the delivery of services.
“So, if councils are not providing suitable non-digital alternative ways to apply for benefits it can be argued that they are not fulfilling their duties under the Act.”
Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, stated: “The digitisation of local services is accelerating but it’s important for councils to remember that not everyone is online.
“In fact, millions of older people are not computer users at all and are at serious risk of being excluded from services and support to which they are just as entitled as everyone else, unless really good offline alternatives are made available and properly publicised to them.”
The Local Government Association, which represents most councils in England and Wales, stated councils are making efforts to make sure entry to individuals who won’t be on-line.
James Jamieson, chairman of the Local Government Association, stated: “Digitising application processes can make it easier and more convenient for many residents to use, and enables councils to speed up delivery of many services. However, councils are also working hard to ensure this is not at the expense of older people who are not online.
“Councils have taken steps to ensure those who are digitally excluded can access services such as applying for a blue badge. This includes assistance offered by staff with the application process in council facilities, including libraries, community centres and council offices.
“Councils are in a key position to tackle digital exclusion in their communities but have received little strategic guidance from the Government.
“That is why it is important that the Government publishes a new framework with national-level guidance, resources and tools that support local digital inclusion initiatives.”