To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform what assessment he has made of levels of broadband access for pensioners; and if he will make a statement. (255469)

Over 99 per cent. of households are connected to a broadband enabled telephone exchange. Ofcom stated in 2008 that 46 per cent. of those over 65 had broadband access at home. This contrasts with 57 per cent. of adults in the same period.

The Government recognise digital inclusion as being a very important challenge facing the UK. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and my noble Friend the Minister for Communications, Technology and Broadcasting, have formed a dedicated Cabinet Committee—MISC 34 and established a cross-government co-ordination unit. The Government have engaged a wide range of stakeholders in developing the cross-government report “Delivering Digital Inclusion - An Action plan for Consultation” in order to have a coherent and concerted drive to address digital inclusion and increase access to broadband/digital technologies for pensioner households and people with disabilities. The action plan details over 70 Government actions taking place to advance digital inclusion. The action plan and details are available at:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/deliveringdigitalinclusion

and

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/communities/digitalinclusionannex