Many young people in the UK do have home broadband access, new research from Point Topic has revealed.

The study from the industry intelligence body revealed that 35 per of all families with children in the UK do have such services, which suggests over four million youngsters do not have regular access to the internet.

According to Point Topic, the issue is the most important 'digital divide' facing politicians in the run-up to the general election, as failing to provide for such young people could cost billions in the future.

It stated: "These four million children will have lower earning power and will create increased social costs through their lifetime compared with their peers who do have good internet access."

The total cost to the UK could amount to £80 billion, the body added.

Figures released by Point Topic earlier this year revealed that nearly 467 million people across the world were subscribing to broadband at the end of 2009.