Find more funding
There are many other organisations who may be offering funding that will help you, and our handy funding search tool brings them all together.
Scottish Minimum Digital Living Standard: interim report published
Interim report explores the use of a Minimum Digital Living Standard for Scotland
The Scottish Government has taken a significant step toward tackling digital exclusion with the launch of a research project focused on establishing a Minimum Digital Living Standard (MDLS) for Scotland.
This initiative builds upon previous UK-wide and Welsh MDLS studies, aiming to define the digital needs specific to Scotland.
While digitalisation has reshaped modern life, it has also highlighted stark inequalities, particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Scotland, digital exclusion is compounded by issues such as limited broadband coverage—98,525 households still lack access to fixed broadband speeds above 30MBs (Ofcom, 2024)—and gaps in infrastructure in rural areas. Urban areas, meanwhile, face challenges related to digital and data poverty, with 15% of residents opting out of fixed broadband services.
The research identifies needs that are similar to other parts of the UK and some distinct Scottish challenges:
- Rural Inequalities: Connectivity and infrastructure challenges in remote areas.
- Affordability Issues: High costs of devices and data, particularly for low-income families.
- Digital Skills Deficit: Both parents and children require ongoing support to navigate technological advancements and online safety risks effectively.
Focus groups revealed strong support for a Scottish MDLS. Stakeholders emphasised the importance of embedding digital inclusion across policy areas, the need for sustainable, long-term funding to support digital inclusion initiatives and the opportunities to align MDLS with existing standards, such as housing or care strategies, to enhance accessibility.
The first phase of the study outlines several recommendations to address these challenges, including:
1. Expanding rural and remote connectivity infrastructure.
2. Introducing affordable social tariffs for digital devices and services.
3. Upscaling proven initiatives, such as providing digital tools to students.
4. Offering accessible resources to enhance digital skills and online safety.
5. Embedding MDLS into broader policy frameworks with sustained funding.
The second phase of the study will further engage with families experiencing digital challenges and broaden discussions with stakeholders. The final report, including in-depth findings and policy recommendations, is anticipated in April 2025.
As Scotland moves toward defining and implementing its MDLS, this initiative represents a crucial step in bridging the digital divide, ensuring that every household has the means to fully participate in today’s digital society.
For more information click HERE
