VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Local Government Services: Digital Technology

Asked by Liz JarvisLiberal DemocratMinistry of Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentTabled Answered 27 April 2026UIN 125375

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to issue guidance to local authorities on maintaining non-digital access routes for services such as Home Waste Recycling Centres, for residents who are digitally excluded; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of how local authorities balance digital service delivery with the need to maintain non-digital access routes for digitally excluded residents.

Answered by Alison McGovern

Local councils have a legal obligation to ensure their services are accessible. This includes offering non-digital options for all vital services, such as applications for Council Tax reductions, Housing Benefit, and Blue Badges. This is set out in the Equality Act 2010.

I also refer the hon Member to the Digital Inclusion Action Plan: First Steps.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim