Nearly 6% of people in Gloucestershire are financially and digitally disadvantaged
The pandemic is being blamed for widening the gap between the rich and poor
Nearly 6% of people in Gloucestershire are digitally and financially disadvantaged, new research has found.
That means they don't have access the internet or a smart device or don't know how to use them.
It comes as the UK has made five years’ worth of progress in just over a year due to life shifting online at a rapid rate due to the pandemic.
However this has meant people on low incomes, or who live on or below the poverty line, to fall behind in being able to improve their lives.
People using digital tools and services have a real advantage. They are more likely to build their saving reserves, find new ways to save money on services and can more easily find and access new information.
The Clean Slate, and organisation which provides digital financial support to people on low incomes, has launched their Nobody In The Dark campaign, to provide people with the means to improve their financial situation.
They hope it will helped bridge the gap between the rich and poor which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.
Emma Kernahan, Head of Programmes at Clean Slate, said: "People who are on a low income are unable are unable to prioritise having wi-fi or a device, like a laptop or smartphone.
"Then added to that they may then not have the skills to even use them.
"Pretty much everything that someone who is on a low income needs is based online, even Universal Credit, so how are they meant to do that they they don't have the skills to get online, or even the money to afford internet and a phone?".
people have not only been cut off from vital sources of information during the pandemic but are unable to access tools and services that could help them manage their finances, medical services as well as connecting to loved ones.
However, 30% of people said they feel uncomfortable discussing financial issues which is also thought to be adding to the problem.
Emma continued: "People think there's a huge stigma around talking about money especially if times are hard, like we've seen during the last 18 months.
"But if you support people on low incomes, and invest in them, it has so many positive effects not just on that person but on society as a whole.
"So whatever your income or if you feel like you've got a worry about your money now or in the near future, come and get as much support as you can from us".
For more information on how to get help from the Clean Slate visit https://www.cleanslateltd.co.uk/
To find out more about the Nobody In The Dark Campaign visit https://www.mastercard.co.uk/en-gb/vision/priceless-causes/empower/digital-financial-inclusion.html