To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, with reference to Answer given to House of Commons Question 84191 on 4 July 2022, whether his Department has any plans to create a directory of voluntary and community organisations that can assist with broadband access and digital skills in rural communities; and if he will make a statement.
Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay: The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is working with the Department for Leveling Up, Housing and Communities, Ofcom and the Department for Work and Pensions to identify potential providers for a directory of voluntary and community organisations that could provide support relating to the Connected Nations programme and other digital inclusion initiatives. The Department will take account of the sector mapping paper published by the UK Charity Digital Skills Partnership when selecting potential providers to tender for the directory. We aim to have a directory in place by summer 2023.