Barnet Council signs pledge to break down barriers to digital access

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Barnet Council has partnered with 2econd Chance to provide free devices

Barnet Council has partnered with 2econd Chance to provide free devices

Barnet Council has marked the second annual End Digital Poverty Day by pledging to continue breaking down barriers to digital access, literacy and skills.

The council has signed the Charter for Digital Inclusion, a commitment to making its services more accessible to everyone in the community - particularly those with low digital skills, disabilities, or other barriers.

It underlines the council’s pledge to tackle the barriers that technological progress can place in the way of essential aspects of modern life, including access to employment, training and benefits.

Signing the charter aligns the council with a broad coalition of organisations through the Digital Poverty Alliance’s Industry Forum, enabling it to advocate for and implement inclusive digital practices more effectively.

The council has already launched several key initiatives aimed at improving digital access for those who need it most, including:

  • Partnering with the Good Things Foundation to distribute free SIM cards to residents, ensuring they can stay connected to vital services and support networks.
  • Collaborating with device refurbishment organisation 2econd Chance to provide free devices to digitally excluded residents in Barnet and reduce electronic waste.
  • Offering free broadband services through Community Fibre to help vulnerable residents stay connected and access essential online resources, with work underway to connect every council home to the network.
  • Launching the Barnet Financial Calculator, a free online tool that has so far helped residents to identify more than £8million in unclaimed benefits.

Barnet’s network of Accredited Digital Champions host weekly digital support sessions providing one-on-one and group assistance to residents in need of digital skills training.

They work directly with the community to provide help where it is most needed, including food banks, health services, over-55s groups, community centres and libraries.

Councillor Zahra Beg, Cabinet Member for Equalities and the Voluntary and Community Sector, said:

“I am extremely proud to announce that we have signed the Charter for Digital Inclusion, demonstrating our commitment to breaking down barriers to digital access.

“This will ensure we build on the progress we have already made towards ending digital poverty and help us to realise our vision of creating a fairer borough with opportunities for all.”

Councillor Rishikesh Chakraborty, London Borough of Barnet Digital Champion, said:

“Signing the Charter for Digital Inclusion demonstrates a proactive and steadfast commitment to tackle inequality by addressing digital poverty, which is often overlooked.

“Barnet residents should have access to digital services as they underpin the foundation of modern society. I am proud that we seek to build on the progress we have made to create a fairer borough with opportunities for all.”

Elizabeth Anderson, Chief Executive of Digital Poverty Alliance, said:

“Tackling digital exclusion is critical to ensuring that everyone in the community can access essential services – whether that’s local authority support, homework, finding a job or even banking and healthcare. 

“We’re delighted that Barnet Council have signed the Charter for Digital Inclusion showing their commitment raising awareness and supporting local residents through device donations and skills. We look forward to working with them.”

More information about the council’s initiatives is available here: