Coventry’s Age UK highlighted digital exclusion for services

COVENTRY and Warwickshire Age UK has highlighted digital exclusion and is calling for protection to access everyday services offline.

With the rapid growth of public services moving towards full digitization, it is difficult for people without internet to find services.

Statistics show that 4.7 million older people lack the skills to use the internet successfully and are dependent on local councils for services such as blue badges.

Michael Garrett, chief executive of Coventry and Warwickshire Age UK, said: “Our customers spend days trying to understand what they need to do, downloading forms and uploading images for applications.

“Customers should not have to rely on family members, friends or charities to apply for their legal rights, and many are deprived due to a lack of support or knowledge.”

Age UK Coventry and Warwickshire are running digital inclusion classes at the Gilbert Richards Center in Earlsdon to support people with their devices.