2 November 2005
Broadband access should be extended freely to homeless people, a report from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has suggested.
In the "Inclusion through Innovation" report, John Prescott's office has suggested that contemporary internet facilities be accessible in hostels for the homeless, and that community centres in deprived areas should be set up with broadband services.
Many homeless people already utilise the internet to look for jobs and places to live, and therefore increased access to this technology might serve to help revitalise people's lives.
John Fisher, chief executive of Citizens Online, said: "We are pleased to see that Government has recognised the importance of the digital inclusion agenda. It must now grasp the opportunities presented in this report to ensure that the crucial joined-up work happens to make this a reality."
The report also said that IT could help elderly people to stay more easily in contact with friends and loved ones.
It also suggested that the government set up an independent unit to promote certain efficient seldom-evaluated practices which use this kind of technology.
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