DIGITAL INCLUSION IN SOCIAL HOUSING: BRIDGING THE TECHNOLOGY GAP FOR LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS

For low-income families living in government housing, not having access to technology is a big obstacle to getting involved in the economy and society. This paper looks at the nature, causes, and effects of digital exclusion among people who live in social housing. It focuses on how income poverty, housing inequality, and the fast growth of vital services into the digital world come together. This study uses information from recent policy evaluations and pilot programs, especially the Greater Manchester Digital Inclusion Pilot, to find three related parts of digital exclusion: access to infrastructure and devices, digital skills and literacy, and motivation and confidence to engage online. The results show that cost is still the biggest problem, along with poor infrastructure in older homes, lack of access to technology, and fundamental issues like housing instability. People who cant get online-only deals and services are hit with a poverty premium, and digital exclusion makes the already existing gaps in work, education, health, and access to important services even worse. The paper looks at new policy and practice answers and shows how important it is to take a complete approach that focuses on the renter and combines connection, devices, skill development, and long-term support. It ends by suggesting a digital inclusion plan that is based on rights and focuses on housing. This plan sees digital access as a basic service and makes sure that digital inclusion is part of the main housing policy and practice.