Contain Outbreak Management Fund funding awards for digital inclusion initiative.

Resolved – That the Director of Public Health:

(1)  Awards a one-year contract (1st January 2022 to 31st January 2023) for services to increase digital inclusion across all wards of the Borough to One Wirral CIC at a total cost of £679,000.

(2)  Awards a one-year contract (1st January 2022 to 31st January 2023) for services to increase digital inclusion across all wards of the Borough to Citizens Advice – Ask us Wirral at a total cost of £155,000.

(3)  Awards a one-year contract (1st January 2022 to 31st January 2023) for services to increase employment support provision across all wards of the Borough via the Reach Out Programme to Involve North West at a total cost of £346,000.

(4)  Awards a one-year contract (1st January 2022 to 31st January 2023) for services to increase digital inclusion across all wards of the Borough to Health Junction/Wired at a total cost of £180,000

(5)  Awards a one-year contract (1st January 2022 to 31st January 2023) for services to increase digital inclusion across all wards of the Borough to Age UK – Wirral On-line Together at a total cost of £141,000.

Digital exclusion has long been an issue of concern for Wirral. The Covid period has increased the extent and severity of this problem. Virtually every aspect of life is now expected to be conducted online, from work to socialising, and from education to shopping. Those who are not online are more disadvantaged than ever. These initiatives will help to address these concerns.

Ensuring the Council meet the ongoing needs reported by local communities is evidenced by data therefore other options, although considered, are not recommended.