The Mayor of London and London Councils have launched a new taskforce with the aim of tackling digital exclusion in the city.
It will also be responsible for sourcing new and upcycled electronic devices for adults and children in need.
The taskforce is led by London’s chief digital officer, Theo Blackwell.
Its objectives include mapping out the need for devices and reliable connectivity across the city, helping to allocate the investment in digital infrastructure to support areas with poor connectivity, and helping people gain digital skills.
Along with this, Mayor Sadiq Khan has allocated £1.5 million over the next two years in his recently published draft budget to work with the London Office of Technology and Innovation (LOTI) to understand fully the levels of digital exclusion across London.
Working with council leaders, he has also encouraged Londoners, businesses and the public sector to donate old devices to a number of London based and national charities so they can be upcycled for people in need, and published a list on where to donate devices.
Sad reality
Khan commented: “Every school child in London should have the equipment they need to continue learning online during lockdown.
“But it’s the sad reality that there are still many who will struggle with this because they or their families don’t have the equipment they need, and so face having their schooling disrupted.
“Thousands of Londoners have already helped by donating their old devices and I’m sure many more will help over the coming weeks – you can find charity partners through the list on City Hall’s website.
Charity the London Grid for Learning (LGfL) has been running an operation to donate 100,000 devices for schools around the country and recently ordered 100,000 more.
In addition, councils in London are currently assessing the need in their areas, with some reporting as many as 8,000 pupils still lack devices, even taking into account those which have already been ordered.
LGfL is also working to secure a wireless connectivity deal with a major mobile network and is working with schools to reconditioning older devices.
Image from iStock, Farknot Architect
