Trafford has become one of the first local authorities in the country to sign the UK Government’s new IT Reuse for Good charter, committing to tackle digital exclusion by giving new life to used computers and tech.
The signing of the charter reaffirms the Council’s focus on further developing its work to bridge the digital divide and promote sustainability through its successful Tech4All initiative, which helps residents access refurbished technology.
Some residents in Trafford struggle to get online due to financial barriers, with up to a quarter of the borough’s population estimated to be at risk of digital exclusion.
Since its launch in 2024, the Council’s Trafford Tech4All initiative has supported over 1,500 people with low-cost or free refurbished technology, including laptops, smartphones and tablets.
Pupils from 17 schools have also benefited from donated devices to support their studies, giving new life to equipment that might otherwise have been thrown away.
Earlier this year, a dozen devices, donated by The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, were delivered to Blessed Thomas Holford College in Altrincham to support students most at risk of digital exclusion.
Local businesses, including L&Q Housing, Bruntwood, Royal Mail and the Christie NHS Foundation Trust, have all contributed significant numbers of devices to support these efforts, alongside more than 300 surplus devices donated by Trafford Council.
With support from their nonprofit tech refurbishment partner, Community Computers, the Council is reducing carbon emissions and landfill waste, providing an environmentally friendly solution to digital exclusion.
Leader of Trafford Council, Cllr Tom Ross, formally signed the IT Reuse for Good charter which supports the Council’s corporate priorities in addressing the climate crisis and supporting healthy and independent lives for everyone.
Cllr Tom Ross said:
“Digital access is essential to getting on in today’s world. Signing the IT Reuse for Good charter demonstrates our commitment to tackling digital exclusion, ensuring no one in our borough is left behind, while also reducing electronic waste and supporting our climate goals.”
If you are interested in how your company’s digital devices could help disadvantaged families in Trafford to get online, email tech4all@trafford.gov.uk to find out more about donating.