Introduction

This project was part of LOTI’s Digital Inclusion Innovation Programme, which aims to use innovative methods to design and scale initiatives that support digitally excluded Londoners who have been left particularly vulnerable during the Covid pandemic.

Phase 1: October – December 2021

The first phase of the project aimed to better understand the specific needs of digitally excluded individuals and families living in temporary accommodation (TA).

Based on early engagement with boroughs and other key partners, LOTI was aware that residents living in all forms of temporary accommodation experience a range of barriers to getting online, including lack of wifi provision in hostels, limited or no access to suitable devices, etc.

We focused on TA hostels specifically, for three reasons. Firstly, we wanted to rapidly test existing hypotheses about the lack of wifi in hostels being a major contributing factor to digital exclusion in TA hostels. Secondly, we wanted to build a deep understanding of the circumstances and digital inclusion needs of those who live in TA. Thirdly, we narrowed our focus to TA hostels for pace and to ensure that any future projects are informed by deep insights and an evidence base of barriers and issues.

Phase 2

The findings from the research undertaken by FutureGov on LOTI’s behalf will inform the set of interventions we put in place to support our overall goal of ensuring that no one is digitally excluded as a result of living in TA. More details to follow.