Decision Maker: Council

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: June 18, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: 1.      That this Council notes: a)            2.3 million people aged 65 and over, approximately 1 in 5, do not use the internet. b)            Around 3.3 million people aged 65 and over in the UK do not use a smartphone. c)             4.7 million people aged 65 and over do not have the basic skills to use the internet successfully and safely. d)            The valuable role our libraries play in providing access to IT equipment, internet access, and training to residents, including 1-2-1 IT support.  2.      That this Council acknowledges AGE UK’s ‘Offline and Overlooked’ campaign and notes this Councils ongoing commitment to: a)            Maintain services and support to services that can be accessed not only online, but by telephone and face-to-face, and in places and spaces that are accessible to all, including elderly people, people with disabilities, British Sign Language (BSL) users, people with sensory and communication loss and people for whom English is not their first language. b)            Enable engagement and consultation to be undertaken by alternative methods of communication in addition to an online offering. c)             Deliver on the undertakings contained within the Council Plan in particular commitments 6 (Supporting Vulnerable People), 9 (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) and 10 (The importance of co-operations and partnerships). d)            Remove all barriers that prevent universal opportunity to fully participate within society, local democracy and engage with Council services. e)            Support our local libraries as much as resources allow to ensure they can continue to offer IT support to our most vulnerable residents.  3.      That this Council asks the Executive to resolve to guarantee that our elderly population are not barred from essential services by ensuring: a)            All council services can be easily accessed ‘offline’ such as by telephone and in person and through alternative formats such as paper copies of applications. b)            All council staff know and are able to signpost to the offline options available to access support and services. c)             That offline options for applying for services and support are well publicised. d)            The Council works with libraries to ensure the community are aware of the digital help currently offered, such as IT Buddies and consider the possibility of rolling out additional 1-2-1 sessions if funding allows. e)            The elderly are aware of support offered by local charities and parish and town councils.  4.      That this Council asks the Executive and all Councillors to encourage our core partner organisations, such as those in the public transport and public health, as well as our Town, Parish and Community Councils to ensure they are easily accessible to those not digitally able through publicised locations and open office hours. 5.      That this Council asks the Executive to write to the Secretary of State for Local Government and English Devolution to: a)            Express this council’s support for Age UK’s Offline and Overlooked Campaign. b)            Urge central government to ensure local government receives sufficient funding to provide offline services. c)             Highlight the need for additional funding to enable Milton Keynes Council to provide support to those who are not computer and/or technology users but would wish to be.