What is the policy/strategy/function trying to achieve/do?
The Digital Connectivity Masterplan aims to provide full fibre broadband connectivity to all council housing tenants across North Lanarkshire. This will establish the infrastructure required to support digital access, reduce digital exclusion, and enable the future rollout of smart technologies and digitally enabled services within the home.
As part of the wider programme, the project includes a test of change to inform future delivery. This will involve a sample of approximately 2,000 properties across a range of housing types and locations, ensuring a representative cross-section of tenants. Within this, around 400 homes will form a focused pilot of digitally enabled homes.
If this policy is subject to the Fairer Scotland Duty, what does it suggest about the impact or potential impact on socio-economic disadvantage?
The programme is expected to have a positive impact on socio-economic disadvantage by improving access to digital connectivity, which is increasingly essential for participation in modern life. By providing broadband to council housing, the programme reduces barriers associated with cost and availability, particularly for households more likely to experience digital exclusion.
The programme is therefore expected to improve access to services and opportunities for those experiencing socio-economic disadvantage. While there may be variation in benefit depending on levels of engagement, ongoing monitoring will support identification of any barriers to uptake.
Details of the impact it has on groups and individuals
The programme is expected to have broadly positive impacts for all tenants, however some groups may experience more significant benefits due to their circumstances.
Age
Older people may particularly benefit from improved access to services and the potential use of assistive and monitoring technologies, although some may face barriers to engagement. Children and young people may benefit from improved access to education, online learning, and communication.
Disabled people
May experience significant benefits through improved access to digital services and the potential use of smart technologies to support independence, safety, and communication, although accessibility requirements may influence how individuals engage with the programme.
Race
While benefits are expected across all tenants, some individuals may experience barriers related to communication which may influence engagement.
Children and families
Improved connectivity may support participation in education and wider digital activities, particularly in households with multiple users.
Care experienced young people and homeless households
May particularly benefit from access to reliable connectivity at points of greater need, including transitions to independent living and periods of housing instability.
Carers
May benefit from improved communication and the potential for digital tools to support care co-ordination and monitoring.
The extent to which these benefits are realised will vary depending on individual circumstances and levels of engagement with the programme.
What actions/measures will be put in place or are planned to mitigate any adverse impact or promote equality?
Mitigation is focused on supporting equitable access and uptake of the programme, as adverse impacts are primarily linked to barriers to engagement rather than the policy itself.
Key measures include:
- Ongoing monitoring of uptake and engagement, including reasons for non-engagement or refusal
- Continued engagement with tenants to ensure communication is accessible and effective
- Use of test of change learning to identify and address any barriers experienced by different groups
- Ongoing review of how smart technologies are experienced within the home
Findings from the pilot will inform any future actions required to support equitable outcomes.
What is the result/recommendations of the EqIA?
The Digital Connectivity Programme is likely to have a positive impact, particularly in improving access to digital services and supporting participation in everyday life.
While some groups may experience differential impacts, these are largely positive or relate to differences in uptake and engagement rather than adverse effects created by the programme.
It is recommended that the programme progresses as planned, with ongoing monitoring, engagement, and review to identify any emerging equality issues and inform future development as the programme evolves.