Inclusive Growth Framework Fundamentals
Connected communities
Summary
Connected communities is about ensuring people can interact with the world around them. This includes physical and digital connectivity. Physical connectivity helps people to reach places to live, work, have fun and meet up. Digital connectivity and digital inclusion help people to learn and get connected to the internet, for instance, through using a device and data. All of this helps people feel connected to one another and the world around them.
Considerations
Making sure that all our residents are better connected through quick and reliable public transport is important, given that many residents do not have access to a car. This could be buses, trains or metro, and active travel infrastructures such as walking and cycling, to ensure everyone can access local amenities and opportunities. As an exemplar region for disabled people, it is essential to ensure disabled people can fully take part and access places to live, work and play.
With so much happening online, getting connected online is as important as physical connectivity. We must think about making sure communities have access to cheaper, quick and reliable broadband internet access. We must also be building in digital inclusion, so that all citizens, including older people and people on low incomes, can make use of the internet.
Outcome
People live in connected communities which enable everyone to interact with the world around them, both physically and digitally, fostering a sense of belonging.
Metrics
- Access (and barriers) to housing, transport, and services
- Adults who are active (activity of moderate intensity of at least 150+ minutes per week)
- Digital inclusion / risk of digital exclusion
- Gigabit broadband internet connectivity
- Affordability Index (all modes)
- Proportion of all journeys made by public transport (%)
Inclusive Growth Framework
