Local councils help the elderly get online

Age UK has published a report entitled Everything is online nowadays. It warns that elderly people who struggle to use the internet are finding it increasingly difficult to claim housing benefit and council tax support.

The National Audit Office estimates that between 2010 and 2016 the number of people aged 65 and over, and in need of care increased by 14.3%. But a 2017 survey of councils in England and Wales found that 71% anticipated making further cuts to social care.

Age UK’s research demonstrates that, without the required support to navigate the digital age, more elderly people are suffering from exclusion.

Cllr Sue Baxter, chairman of the National Association of Local Councils (NALC), told The Canary: "Local councils are helping financially challenged principal authorities by providing services for the elderly, this includes helping them to access the growing number of digital-only services, for example, internet cafes, computer clubs and free basic IT training. NALC, therefore, welcome Age UK’s call for more government funding, which should extend to local councils."