LLA welcomes Age UK’s Digital Done Right report

Later Life Ambitions (LLA) has welcomed Age UK’s new Digital Done Right report, which finds that only 15% of over-65s in England are fully digitally included. A further 25% are partially digitally excluded, while 13% – equivalent to 1.4 million people – do not go online at all.

The report’s call to protect face-to-face banking reflects LLA’s recent work with the Athena Foundation and the APPG for Fair Banking. Through a parliamentary roundtable and wider engagement, LLA has highlighted the effect of branch closures and digital exclusion on older customers, while making clear that banking hubs are not always a complete replacement for branches.

Alan Lees, Chief Executive of the National Association of Retired Police Officers and a spokesperson for LLA, said: “Age UK’s important research shows why the growth of digital services must not be used to justify the loss of face-to-face, telephone and cash-based options.

“Older people should not be forced out of managing their own money. Face-to-face banking remains essential infrastructure, helping people to access cash, pay bills, resolve problems and protect themselves from fraud.

“We support Age UK’s call for a sustained digital inclusion programme alongside guaranteed offline access to essential services. Digital services can widen choice, but they must not become the only choice.”