THE
elderly are among those who could be missing out on health alert updates, as
well as better deals on goods and services, due to a lack of internet access, a
new report claims.

The
report, by Consumer Focus Wales, warns that the one in three households in Wales lack
internet access – with groups such as the elderly and less well off
particularly affected.

It
says they could be missing out on food safety alerts, weather warnings and even
better deals to cut utility bills, as well as news of political decisions
affecting the services they use, because of a lack of web access.

Consumer Focus Wales, formerly the Welsh Consumer Council, wants regulators
to ensure vulnerable groups such as the elderly and poor are not forgotten and
end up “institutionally locked out”. The Welsh Assembly Government said it was
preparing a response to the report.

The report, which drew on 10 years of data for its report, Logged In Or
Locked Out?, found 67% of households in Wales have a home internet
connection.

But it concluded that there is a risk of a growing digital divide for the
750,000 adults in Wales
who either cannot, or choose not to, use the internet.

Sarah Richards, senior policy advocate for Consumer Focus Wales, said
personal access to the internet was becoming ever more important.

She said: “The growing availability of information and bargains means that
those who either cannot, or choose not to, use the internet are in danger of
being locked out from accessing the best deals, and the most up-to-date
information.”

Ms Richards added: “The benefits to consumers of the internet are many, but
we must ensure we do not end up in a country where people are institutionally
locked out from information which may affect them – like weather warnings,
finding out information during food scares or looking at what elected politicians
are saying on our behalf.”