Hot Seat Sarah h Murphy

THE inequalities of digital poverty were brought into mainstream during the pandemic, when we relied on all things digital to connect with one another during lockdowns, or used devices to work from home or school.

We continue to see its impacts during the cost-of-living crisis, with much support and resources needing to be applied for online.

There is no doubt that people are being excluded from digital access due to rising costs.

As budgets become tight, broadband is likely to be the thing that gets turned off.

At one point, there was an assumption that broadband and digital was a luxury, the reality is that it’s a necessity, and for some people they are missing out through a lack of means.

The Welsh Government has stated that they are committed to tackling digital exclusion.

I am pleased within The Digital Strategy for Wales that Welsh Government are working collaboratively with the

Digital Poverty Alliance, aiming to end digital poverty by 2030.

Welsh Government are also working in partnership with

Good Things Foundations on their National Data Bank initiative that provides free mobile data and calls to people in need.

Within my role as Member of Senedd for Bridgend and Porthcawl, I have been liaising with Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO) and Welsh broadband company, Ogi that is delivering high-speed broadband across Bridgend and Porthcawl, to see if there is any scope to provide Wi-Fi at warm hubs.

BAVO recently announced that applications for up to £2000 are open to community centres providing warm hubs.

Welsh Government has provided £40,000 to distribute to help community groups, and not-forprofit enterprises in Bridgend County Borough.

If you are a community group looking to expand access to Wi-Fi for those using your services, please get in touch and I can try to help.

Contact Sarah.Murphy@senedd. wales or call 0300 200 7151.