YEP Says: Full credit for helping to bridge the digital divide

Most young people these days are tech-savvy and can pick up and adapt trends without too much thought. But there are many thousands of people who find new technology daunting and, as a result, find themselves unable to fully take part ion the brave new world which many already enjoy.

So Leeds City Council deserves credit for trying to empower such people, for giving them the computer literacy which cane make a massive difference to their futures.

This will help many individuals but it will also help Leeds – and West Yorkshire – as a whole.

It is estimated the campaign – to be called “100% Digital Leeds” – could help generate £45m for the city’s economy over the next decade.

According to research, there are about 90,000 adults in the city who can be described as lacking basic digital skills. Many may have data access via their phone and can do the basics such as using social media, but a huge number of people are thought to be slipping through the net when it comes to being able to use other online services and opportunities like job hunting.

It is encouraging that the city wants to help such people.