Jane Hutt CBE, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice and Older Person’s Commissioner Rhian Bowen-Davies joined staff, local Councillors and residents to hear about the work we are undertaking to combat digital exclusion in our communities.
As part of the Welsh Government’s Minimum Digital Living Standards (MDLS) pilot Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) secured £18,000 worth of funding to undertake surveys to identify digital poverty in its communities. The six-month project ended in March 2025 and was delivered by MHA’s dedicated digital group iConnect.
Jane Hutt CBE, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice said:
It was great to visit Monmouthshire Housing Association and meet with staff, residents and volunteers at Cwrt Severn to see the impact of the Minimum Digital Living standard pilot. Hearing directly from residents and staff about how this support has transformed their lives, and ways of working, was truly inspiring.
The Minimum Digital Living Standard recognises digital inclusion goes beyond internet access, and that people also need the right tools, services and basic digital skills to take part fully in modern life. Wales has led on digital inclusion for over a decade, ensuring nobody gets left behind. This pilot perfectly shows the difference we can make when we work together.
With the massive shift towards self-serving and the increased digitalisation of services, it is important to leave no residents behind. Whether residents are transitioning to universal credit or older residents are adopting to the UK digital switchover, we recognise digital exclusion is much more than just an inconvenience.
It could mean isolation, financial hardship and reduced independence. Thanks to this pilot we have seen a real change; over 100 tenants shared their digital needs with us and 42 received tailored support through iConnect.
Michele Morgan, MHA’s Director of Housing & Communities said:
We were delighted to welcome Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice; Jane Hutt CBE, and the Older Persons Commissioner; Rhian Bowen-Davies to our older persons housing Cwrt Severn, Caldicot to hear first-hand the impact the pilot is having on our residents and digital volunteers.
At the heart of the pilot was our goal to ensure no resident is left behind, and we are already seeing the significant difference it is making to their daily lives and wellbeing. Residents previously unsure about technology have become more digitally savvy; signing up to our tenant app to manage their own online accounts and feeling more connected with friends and family.
We know there is still lots to do and will continue to work together with the Welsh Government and partners to actively combat digital isolation in Wales.
We are committed to sustainability and with continued funding from Welsh Government can embed digital support into tenancy on boarding and explore device lending schemes. We can also expand our support to families, job seekers and those with long term health conditions.
Digital innovation has very much been at the forefront of the lives of the residents at Cwrt Severn over the last 3 years. Cwrt Severn has undergone significant retrofit and improvement works, to increase the energy efficiency of the homes. New digital careline alarms and video door entry systems have also been fitted to ensure compliance with the UK’s digital switchover. Residents’ involvement has been critical to the success, ensuring all residents are confident interacting with the new systems. They are already reaping the many benefits, including reduced bills and greater security.
In rural areas like Monmouthshire connectivity remains a challenge, devices alone are not enough, they must be paired with structured training and ongoing guidance.
We distributed 39 devices which included tablets, smartphones, laptop MiFi units ensuring people not only have tools but the connectivity to thrive. Through one-to-one sessions, peer mentoring and workshops, tenants gained confidence in learning new skills and managing their welfare benefits online. Some even signed up to creative writing courses and further education.
43 residents now meet the minimal digital living standard and many report improved wellbeing and independence.
Rhian Bowen-Davies, the Older Person’s Commissioner for Wales said:
So it was great to meet with residents at Cwrt Severn to learn more about how iConnect has helped them to learn new digital skills and improve their confidence when using online services.
It’s clear that the pilot project has made a real difference for many people’s, and it’s really important we see further initiatives like this to help tackle digital exclusion.
