Birmingham partners unite to close the digital divide

Across Birmingham, too many people are still locked out of opportunities because they lack access to a device, affordable internet, or the skills and confidence to get online.

Closing that gap is not just a technology challenge. It is a question of fairness, opportunity and inclusion.

That was the message at the Closing the Gap Together Digital Inclusion Event, hosted by Birmingham City Council's Digital Inclusion Team at Eagle Labs in Brindley Place earlier this month.

The event brought together councillors, community groups, charities, health and social care organisations, businesses and local partners, all working towards a shared goal: ensuring every Birmingham resident can participate fully in modern life.

Throughout the day, attendees heard how partnership working is helping residents access devices, affordable connectivity, digital skills training and ongoing support. From helping people apply for jobs and access public services, to staying connected with family and managing their health, digital inclusion is transforming lives across the city.

The event celebrated the work already taking place in Birmingham's communities while also recognising that more remains to be done. As services, education, banking and employment increasingly move online, the risk is that those who are already facing disadvantage fall even further behind.

Through presentations, case studies and discussion sessions, partners explored how they can work together more effectively to reach residents who are currently excluded from the digital world and ensure support is available where it is needed most.

Councillor Harris Khaliq, Cabinet Member for City Services and Digital, said: "In the 21st century, access to the internet is no longer a luxury. It is essential infrastructure for everyday life.

"Whether it's applying for work, accessing council services, booking a GP appointment or helping a child with their homework, being offline can mean being cut off from opportunity.

"Digital exclusion often mirrors wider inequalities. That is why tackling it is about much more than technology. It is about ensuring every resident, regardless of their age, income or background, has the tools and confidence to participate fully in our city.

"The progress being made across Birmingham shows what is possible when public services, businesses, charities and communities come together around a shared mission. By working together, we can build a city where nobody is left behind and everyone has the opportunity to thrive."

The event also recognised the vital contribution of organisations across the public, voluntary, community and private sectors whose continued support is helping residents gain the skills, access and confidence they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.