Decision details

Purpose of Report: The 9 million people in the UK who have never been online are missing out on big customer savings, access to information and education. They will be even more isolated and disadvantaged as government and industry expand ever faster into digital-only services. Race Online 2012 seeks to get 9 million people online by 2012. It is supported by the Government and led by Martha Lane Fox as UK Digital Champion. York Explore is a Champion Centre for UK Online and provides free help to anyone wanting to get online through a network of cascade centre libraries. We are now seeking to expand that through the Council signing up to Race Online as an official partner. Signing up is straightforward and done online. There are no specific targets, rather a commitment to create a whole council approach to digital inclusion.

Members are asked to: Agree to sign up CYC as an official partner for Race Online 2012 with the pledge to Work with partners to provide opportunities for all York residents to gain the skills to get online within 20 minutes and 12 seconds of where they live - walking, cycling or rowing.

RESOLVED: That consideration of this item be deferred until the next Executive meeting, on 1 February 2011.

REASON:      To enable Officers to develop the report to give a wider perspective on the subject.