Bicycles and computers distributed to children prior to last General Election: FOI release

Information requested

Can you tell me how many children have received to date, Bicycles and computers/tablets as promised by the Scottish Government prior to the last general election?

Response

Access to Devices
The Scottish Government is committed to providing every school aged child with access to a device and connectivity by the end of this parliamentary term.

We have already provided £25m to councils in 2020/21, resulting in over 72,000 pupils receiving a device and 14,000 receiving an internet connection.

Councils have also invested in technology and have indicated that in total almost 280,000 devices have been, or are in the process of being, distributed to learners. This figure includes the 72,000 funded by the Scottish Government.

We will be working closely with local authorities to deliver on this commitment and have convened a partnership board, co-chaired by COSLA, to oversee the delivery of work.

Free Bicycle Scheme
The most recent figures from Transport Scotland show that 1700 bikes had been provided to children through pilot schemes being run by them. You may wish to contact Transport Scotland directly if you would like further information regarding these schemes.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at http://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.