The Government should require essential services, including the NHS, banks, utilities and public bodies keep telephone and in person access. Digital only systems risk excluding older, disabled and low income people who cannot reliably use online services.

As more services move to online only, many people are being locked out of vital healthcare, banking and public support. Not everyone has the skills, confidence or connectivity to use digital systems, creating barriers to medical care, financial security and daily needs. We urge the Government to require essential services to offer staffed phone lines, face to face access and protections for those unable to use digital systems.