University of Liverpool research is supporting a new partnership involving Good Things Foundation, Autotrader, and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to address digital exclusion.
This collaboration will bring together regional leadership, national expertise, and private-sector insight to develop a UK-first, long-term plan for affordable digital access in Greater Manchester.
Building on a commitment made by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham to address digital exclusion across the region, the collaborative initiative reflects a shared determination to translate ambition into practical, long-term action. Just over one in four Greater Manchester residents (25%) live within the 10% most deprived areas nationally, with Manchester ranked as the fourth most deprived local authority in England (Source: GMCA IMD Report).
Professor Simeon Yates' research, which addresses digital inclusion and exclusion, will help develop a clear and coordinated pathway towards lasting change and generate learnings that can benefit communities across the UK.
Building the foundations for lasting action
The Digital Media and Society Institute (DMSI) at Liverpool will support the initial six-month programme of exploration and engagement across Greater Manchester. This will bring together organisations from across sectors to better understand the most persistent barriers to digital inclusion and identify sustainable solutions. The work will generate practical insight to inform Greater Manchester's long-term digital inclusion approach, while identifying learning that could benefit other regions across the UK. DMSI's contribution will build on our expertise and research evidence on digital affordability and household minimum digital needs.
GMCA's involvement will ensure the programme generates region-specific outputs that inform long-term action. The focused exploration will build robust evidence on digital affordability and skills needs based on lived experience. This will help create a shared view of sustainable solutions and a clear framework for coordinated investment across Greater Manchester.
Councillor Nick Peel, Leader of Bolton Council and GMCA Lead for Digital, said: "Digital technology and skills underpin access to jobs, education, healthcare and essential public services, yet too many people across Greater Manchester are still excluded because digital access remains unaffordable or out of reach.
"Digital inclusion is fundamental to our ambition to create a thriving city region where everyone can live a good life. By working together through this programme, we can remove barriers to access and develop a more long-term, evidence-led approach that helps communities across Greater Manchester benefit from a digitally enabled region."
Working across sectors
Good Things will lead the programme, drawing on their national expertise in digital inclusion and working with partners across government, business, the voluntary sector, and academia to support research and analysis. GMCA will convene stakeholders across local authorities, housing providers and community organisations to ensure the work reflects regional priorities and supports coordinated .
Autotrader, a FTSE listed company headquartered in Manchester, has previously supported digital inclusion through contributions to the Greater Manchester Tech Fund, and will now contribute commercial insight and help explore sustainable, long-term approaches to improving affordable digital access.
Professor Simeon Yates, University of Liverpool, said: "Addressing digital exclusion effectively requires a robust, evidence-based approach. Our research will provide the necessary data and academic rigor to ensure this five-year plan is built on solid foundations, leading to sustainable and impactful change for Greater Manchester residents."
Christos Tsaprounis, People & Culture Director at Autotrader, said: "Through our partnership with Good Things Foundation and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, we are excited to unite expertise, insight and local leadership to better understand the barriers to digital inclusion across our communities. At Autotrader we are committed to exploring sustainable, long-term solutions that widen access to digital tools and skills, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in society and enrich their lives."
James Muscat-Sharp, Director of Partnerships at Good Things Foundation, said: "Digital technology is essential for access to jobs, health, and public services. However, digital exclusion - lacking affordable connectivity, devices, skills, or support - is a significant challenge in the UK, particularly in Greater Manchester. As services move online, this exclusion makes everyday life harder and deepens the disadvantage for those offline. Greater Manchester has set a bold ambition - and rightly so. To achieve it, we need a clear understanding of where the barriers sit and how they can be addressed sustainably. This programme brings together partners across sectors to build a shared evidence base and develop practical approaches capable of delivering permanent change."
