The pandemic is blamed for widening the gap between rich and poor
Published 37 minutes ago
Last updated 37 minutes ago
Almost 18% of the people in Herefordshire and Worcestershire are digital and financially disadvantaged, new research shows.
That means they don’t have access to the internet or any smart device, or they don’t know how to use it.
The UK has made five years headway in just over a year as life changed rapidly online due to the pandemic.
However, this has resulted in the ability of people on low incomes or those living on or below the poverty line to improve their lives.
People who use digital tools and services have a real advantage. They are more likely to build up their savings, find new ways to save money on services, and find and access new information more easily.
The Clean Slate, an organization that provides digital financial assistance to people on low incomes, has launched its Nobody In The Dark campaign to provide people with the means to improve their financial situation.
They hope this will help bridge the gap between rich and poor, exacerbated by the pandemic.
Emma Kernahan, Head of Programs at Clean Slate said, “People on low incomes are unable to prioritize WiFi or a device like a laptop or smartphone.
“Then there is the fact that they may not have the skills to use them at all.
“Pretty much everything a low income person needs is internet based, even universal phone credit?”
Not only have people been cut off from vital sources of information during the pandemic, but they also lack access to tools and services that could help them manage their finances, medical services, and connectivity with loved ones.
However, 30% of people said they felt uncomfortable discussing financial issues, which also adds to the problem.
Emma continued, “People think there’s a huge stigma about talking about money, especially when times are tough, as we’ve seen in the past 18 months.
“But when you support and invest in people on low incomes, it has many positive effects not only on that person, but on society as a whole.
“Whatever your income, or if you feel like you are worried about your money now or in the near future, come and get as much support from us as possible.”
For more information on how to get help from Clean Slate, please visit https://www.cleanslateltd.co.uk/
To learn more about the Nobody In The Dark campaign, visit https://www.mastercard.co.uk/en-gb/vision/priceless-causes/empower/digital-financial-inclusion.html