£10m Free iPad Scheme ‘Paused’ In Scotland To Fund Council Pay Deals

In a move stirring up debate across Scotland, the government has decided to put the brakes on a program to bridge the digital divide. The Connecting Scotland initiative, which provides free iPads and laptops to digitally excluded Scots since the Covid-19 pandemic, is set to be suspended for the 2024/25 fiscal year.

The £10 Million Pivot

In a letter, Finance Secretary Shona Robison revealed that pausing the digital devices program would save a cool £10 million. This cash isn't disappearing into thin air, though. It's being redirected to help cover the cost of council pay deals, highlighting the tough choices facing the Scottish government in balancing its budget.

“The Scottish Government is taking on significant additional financial pressure to fund this pay rise,” a spokesperson explained, adding that “painful choices have had to be made.”

More Than Just Tech on the Chopping Block

It's not just iPads and laptops feeling the pinch. Other funding casualties for 2024/25 include:

• Cash for flood risk management

• Nature restoration projects

These cuts come hot on the heels of the Scottish Government's announcement of £77.5 million in funding for a proposed 4.3% pay rise for council workers.

A Digital Legacy at Risk?

Since its inception during the pandemic, the Connecting Scotland program has been a lifeline for many:

• Over 60,000 devices were distributed to households

• Aimed at helping more people get online

• Bridged the digital gap during lockdowns and beyond

The suspension of this program raises questions about the long-term impact of digital inclusion efforts in Scotland.

Mixed Reactions from Unions

The council pay deal at the heart of this funding shuffle has received a mixed response from trade unions:

• Unite and GMB have recommended members accept the offer

• Unison, however, is urging rejection, arguing the proposed rise isn't enough

Looking Ahead

While the government insists this is a temporary measure, with plans to reinstate funding in next year's budget, the move underscores the delicate balancing act of public finances.

“Ministers are committed to prioritizing the reinstatement of funding in next year's budget,” the government spokesperson assured, emphasizing their focus on delivering priorities across all portfolios.

As Scotland grapples with these financial challenges, the pause in digital inclusion efforts is a stark reminder of the tough choices governments face in allocating limited resources. The question remains: will this short-term financial gain lead to a longer-term technological diversity?

For more information on digital inclusion initiatives in the UK, visit the Good Things Foundation, a charity working to fix the digital divide. Additionally, keep an eye on the Scottish Government's Digital Strategy for future developments in this area.