Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West, is developing a new strategy to combat digital poverty and encouraging local businesses to donate unused devices.

As over 6,600 households are deprived of education and over 3,500 households face employment deprivation, the digital divide is a persistent problem within the Isle of Wight, and so this intuitive aims to bridge this problem.

Mr Quigley has partnered with the Digital Poverty Alliance (DPA) to launch this campaign to address the low levels of digital engagement on the island. Despite effective broadband connectivity, low incomes and lack of access to technology have hindered digital engagement for many families living on the Isle of Wight, leading to challenges in accessing essential services like education, healthcare, banking, and employment.

Richard Quigley, MP for Isle of Wight West, said: “The Digital Poverty Alliance has done great work around the country, and I’d like to than CEO Elizabeth Anderson for quickly taking you the challenge for the Island after our meeting.

“The low levels of digital engagement they have found is worrying and as more na more services move to digital formats, I am so pleased that this campaign asks for laptop donations from local businesses, to help our schools and communities to be better connected.”

Thus, local businesses are encouraged to donate laptops, tablets, and devices that are no longer needed, where they will be distributed to schools and communities across the Island that need them most.