The Government has given its approval confirming the second stage of Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s scheme for free computers and Internet access to be provided to low income families across
The Home Access Initiative, costing ₤300m, was outlined by the Prime Minister, back in September 2008. Initial tests were completed with success in February 2009, in two areas. Following this, a formal confirmation has been given that almost 300,000 families will be provided with a free laptop and a broadband connection. The families will have to apply for these benefits through a grant.
The scheme is the brainchild of Gordon Brown. Right from the days when he was Chancellor in 1999, Brown has been steadily garnering support for his idea of bringing computer and internet access to low income families.
Under the finalised proposals, selected under privileged families will be given a free laptop complete with broadband connection. At the end of a year, the broadband connection will lapse leaving the family with an option to continue renewal payment on its own.
As a yardstick of their financial condition, children belonging to lesser income groups are given school meals free of cost in a government-sponsored scheme. However, the government has confirmed that this criteria will not be the only one taken into consideration for determining whether a family qualifies for the laptop.
In the year to come, low income families can apply for a grant to avail of the free laptop and internet scheme from which selected families will be identified and issued the machines in 2011.
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