PCs too pricey for the poor

Poor people are failing to reap the benefits of IT because of the high cost of ownership, a government report has found.

According to research from the Social Exclusion Unit (SEU), which is part of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, 77 per cent of respondents said current trends in IT would widen the digital divide between the rich and poor, and increase levels of inequality.

Despite the findings, one in five respondents said there are enough initiatives to solve the problem.

The report cited the need for funding schemes to help disadvantaged people to use technology. It said: "ICT equipment (both hardware and software) is thought to be prohibitively expensive for many socially excluded people who are often on low incomes.

"There is a need for financial support to increase people's access to technology and for a reduction in the cost of internet connection."

The report added that social exclusion can occur when someone experiences misfortunes, such as discrimination, low income or family breakdown. It found that people who fell into this category lacked access to IT resources and training.

Vendors were also blamed for failing to market to people on lower incomes.