Almost one in five adults in Brent do not possess the “essential digital skills” that could benefit them in life, a council report has revealed.

Brent Council’s Digital Inclusion report from 2020 showed 18 per cent of adults in the borough struggle with some aspects of everyday technology.

It also noted around seven per cent of the adult population do not use the internet at all, while another 20 per cent have limited use.

According to the report, digital exclusion is closely linked to poverty, disability, age and social isolation – it recommended the council focus its resources on people affected by these factors as a “priority”.

As part of a wider response, it suggested the creation of a Brent digital inclusion network, supported by ‘digital champions’ across the borough, as well as a centralised information service, such as on the council’s website.

It comes as last year, Cllr Margaret McLennan, who is responsible for resources at Brent Council, noted that providing borough-wide digital infrastructure is part of its medium-term strategy.

“As a council we keenly embrace the opportunities presented by digital innovation as part of our commitment to improve lives and deliver services more efficiently,” she said.

The report also highlighted the geographical patterns associated with digital exclusion, with those living in Harlesden, Stonebridge, and Dollis Hill wards most at risk.

These three areas were among the top 30 per cent of those with high digital exclusion potential in England, with Harlesden breaking into the top 15 per cent.

According to the report this could be attributed to higher numbers of people without formal qualifications, people receiving benefits, and older and disabled people living in these areas.

It also noted Kilburn as a priority area given the high number of older people living there and the reduced access to ‘superfast’ broadband.

As part of its digital strategy, which runs until 2023, Brent Council also wants to target loneliness by improving digital inclusivity.

According to a residents’ survey from 2018, 12 per cent of people called for more funding to be spent on digital support for older people as a way to combat loneliness.

It comes as analysis from the Lloyds Consumer Digital Index showed 38 per cent of people said using the internet makes them feel “less alone”, while 34 per cent of people use it to manage their physical and mental health.

However, the council stressed that “while digital inclusion can help, through being an enabler or a catalyst, it cannot resolve these issues alone” and suggested a multi-pronged approach would be necessary to overcome them.