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<p>We are committed to tackling digital exclusion and the UK Digital Strategy, published
in March 2017, describes the steps we are taking across government.</p><p> </p><p>These
include establishing the Digital Skills Partnership which brings together stakeholders
from the private, public and charity sectors to join efforts to help people increase
their digital skills at all levels. It will also build upon the 4 million pledges
of free digital skills training opportunities that our corporate partners pledged
as part of the Digital Strategy of which more than 2 million have already been delivered;
introducing fully-funded basic digital skills training for adults lacking these vital
skills from 2020. Adults will have the opportunity to take improved basic digital
courses based on new national standards setting out the basic digital skills needed
to participate effectively in the labour market and day–to-day life. We will consult
on these new standards in the autumn; using the 3000 libraries across England to provide
a trusted network of accessible locations with trained staff and volunteers, free
Wi-Fi, computers, and other technology as well as Assisted Digital access to a wide
range of digital public services where individuals are unable for whatever reason
to access these services independently.</p><p> </p><p>These initiatives will build
on the significant investment Government already makes in basic digital skills training
through the Adult Education offer, the budget for which is being devolved to ensure
decisions on skills provision are made at a local level. Government also funds the
Future Digital Inclusion programme managed by the Good Things Foundation and delivered
through the 5,000 strong Online Centres network. To date this programme has supported
over 800,000 adult learners to develop their basic digital skills, many of whom are
socially excluded.</p><p> </p>
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