Written Question · S1W-19244 · Session 1
What assessment has been made, by it or on its behalf, of the capacity of information and communications technology to be a tool for change…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what assessment has been made, by it or on its behalf, of the capacity of information and communications technology to be a tool for change in lower-income communities, with particular reference to strengthening the internal operations and external outreach of community groups.
The answer
The Executive recently published our Digital Inclusion Strategy Connecting Scotland's People which sets out how we intend to bridge the digital divide and achieve universal access to the internet by 2005. We see new technologies as making a key contribution to social justice
- increasing opportunities for disavantaged individuals and disadvantaged communities. The strategy sets out action to develop awareness; access; support; skills; content; and community involvement.To assist community and voluntary sector groups we have made £1.5million available over three years for IT development in the voluntary sector. Last year, £500,000 was made available to a wide range of projects to develop Internet access, develop websites, and improve connectivity. The successful projects included £8,625 for One Parent Families Scotland to develop a website and interactive-group for lone parents and £56,815 to set up a new and improved digital telephone conference service for Scottish charities. Criteria for organisations to apply for this year's round of grants will be announced shortly.We have also contributed £432,000 to the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations Voluntary Sector Web Portal. The Portal will offer one-stop access to information about voluntary sector groups and services in Scotland, as well as facilitating communications between voluntary sector organisations and community groups.
- increasing opportunities for disavantaged individuals and disadvantaged communities. The strategy sets out action to develop awareness; access; support; skills; content; and community involvement.To assist community and voluntary sector groups we have made £1.5million available over three years for IT development in the voluntary sector. Last year, £500,000 was made available to a wide range of projects to develop Internet access, develop websites, and improve connectivity. The successful projects included £8,625 for One Parent Families Scotland to develop a website and interactive-group for lone parents and £56,815 to set up a new and improved digital telephone conference service for Scottish charities. Criteria for organisations to apply for this year's round of grants will be announced shortly.We have also contributed £432,000 to the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations Voluntary Sector Web Portal. The Portal will offer one-stop access to information about voluntary sector groups and services in Scotland, as well as facilitating communications between voluntary sector organisations and community groups.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S1W-19244 by reference.