Internet access on the up among UK householders

By Kevin Dixon

More than seven out of 10 households are now connected to the internet, new figures show.

Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that the percentage of online households rose by 5 per cent to 71 per cent last year.

The ONS study also reveals a huge divide between the rich and poor in the proportion of households with a broadband connection.

Looking at the wealthiest 10 per cent of households, 97 per cent are connected to the internet, compared to just 30 per cent of those in poorest 10 per cent of households.

Connection to the internet was lowest among households in Northern Ireland, at 57 per cent, and highest in the South East and London at 72 per cent.

Ownership of a mobile phone was lowest among households in Wales at 49 per cent and highest in the West Midlands and South West at 85 per cent.

More than three-quarters, or 76 per cent, of all households owned a car or van, with 33 per cent owning two or more.The figures were drawn from the ONS statistics collected on ownership of durable goods as part of the Family Spending report.