Council Strategy Aims to Get All Cornwall Residents Online by 2030

Cornwall Council reckons being online has become as essential as having electricity or water coming out of the tap. And it has a new plan to make sure nobody in the county misses out.

The “Cornwall Connected: Digital Inclusion Strategy” has been published by Cornwall Council and the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Leadership Board, and the full document is available on the council’s website. It builds on previous work, including the rollout of Digital Champions across more than 100 organisations in Cornwall.

What the strategy actually does

The aim is for everyone in Cornwall to have the option of going digital. That means affordable connectivity, the right devices, digital skills, and trusted local support people can turn to when they get stuck.

Four priorities sit at the heart of the strategy:

• Improving access to reliable, affordable broadband and mobile connectivity, especially in rural and hard to reach areas
• Continuing to support residents with devices, digital skills, confidence and accessibility needs
• Embedding digital inclusion across public services, commissioning, health, care, education and the economy
• Building sustainable funding, partnerships and local delivery networks beyond 2030

What’s already been done

Over the past five years, local programmes have created and supported Digital Champions in more than 100 organisations across Cornwall, and have helped thousands of residents get to grips with what they need to do online. The work has delivered an estimated £3.5 million benefit to residents, generated a strong return on investment for public services, and reduced pressure on health and frontline services.

What the council is saying

Cllr Leigh Frost, Leader of the Council and Chair of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Leadership Board, said: “In today’s world, digital access is as essential as electricity or running water. Yet too many people are still excluded from the opportunities the digital world brings.”

Leigh added: “This strategy sets out our shared commitment: that by 2030, no one in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly will be left behind. Through partnership, community action and sustained investment, we can build a fairer, more connected future.”

Cllr Sarah Preece, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Localism and Planning, said: “Digital inclusion underpins so many of our priorities, from health and care to skills, jobs and strong communities. This strategy recognises that access alone isn’t enough. People also need skills, confidence and local support they can trust.”

Cllr Tim Dwelly, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Investment, said: “By working together with communities, the voluntary sector, health partners and businesses, we can make digital inclusion a reality for everyone, helping to boost Cornwall’s economy and giving people the skills and training they need to benefit from our modern, digital society.”

What happens next

The strategy will be delivered by Cornwall Council working in partnership with the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Leadership Board, with close involvement from the NHS, voluntary and community organisations, education providers and local businesses.

An action plan is still to be developed with partners to turn the strategy’s ambitions into practical, measurable improvements for residents.