Councils are working to improve digital inclusion, but progress is being hampered by funding challenges and a lack of national coordination, says LGA research.
Its Digital Communities Survey gathered responses from 83 English councils to understand how local authorities support residents who face barriers to digital access and skills.
The survey found that financial pressures are the biggest barrier, cited by 77 per cent of respondent councils, alongside issues such as staff capacity.
Conducted in autumn 2025, the research also shows that more than half (56 per cent) of respondent councils have at least one member of staff responsible for digital inclusion, with many providing services such as public Wi-Fi, skills training and one-to-one support. Nearly half (49 per cent) reference digital inclusion in their digital strategy, while 13 per cent have a dedicated digital inclusion strategy.
The survey found that only 24 per cent have elected members with digital inclusion in their portfolio.
Cllr Dan Swords, Chairman of the LGA’s Public Service Reform and Innovation Committee, said: “Digital inclusion is fundamental to unlocking inclusive growth and ensuring no one is left behind in a rapidly changing economy.
“Councils are doing everything they can to support residents, but they cannot do this alone. We need a coordinated national approach and sustainable funding to match the scale of the challenge.”