THE Welsh government has announced a nationwide expansion to its social housing scheme today to help residents become digitally literate.

As more public-sector organisations provide services online, the government says the scheme will help social housing tenants become confident users of digital technology.

“Digital exclusion often reflects wider inequalities in society, said Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice Jane Hutt. “That’s why we're taking bold steps to ensure everyone can benefit from digital technology if they choose to.”

Pilot schemes were held with Monmouthshire and North Wales Housing Associations, with basic digital skills training for residents to use technology safely in their daily lives.

North Wales Housing’s Claire Shiland said the scheme had helped it support residents access skills and training and become more digitally confident.

The grants for social housing providers are now being expanded across Wales for registered social housing landlords, with successful projects starting in July.