Shropshire Council has rejected a move to help guarantee access to Council services for vulnerable and digitally excluded residents under its new Digital strategy.
Heather Kidd, Lib Dem Councillor for Chirbury and Worthen, said: “I am extremely disappointed by the Council’s decision. Shropshire has a higher-than-average proportion of elderly residents, many of whom are not conversant with IT. When you add residents with learning difficulties or those without reliable broadband or mobile phone signal the numbers become significant. Research estimates that some 17,000 people in Shropshire are not digitally enabled.
“Whilst many of the proposals in this strategy make sense – allowing easier access for residents to report problems and the like, I have real concerns about accessibility. Already, for example, blue badge holders have to apply on line for their badges – and in no other way. Given that the vast majority of blue badge holders are elderly or disabled this is already problematic for many.”
“Telling people they can always use their local library for digital access is not very helpful as they can be many miles away and public transport is poor.”
The Council Administration voted against Heather’s amendment at Thursday’s Shropshire Council meeting that would have addressed this problem and made sure that with every development within the Strategy we remember those who will find this access almost impossible and always try to make sure the right support is in place.