The Government has continued to take this recipient-first approach forward to subsequent stages of food access support for the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV). Following the first lockdown, priority access to delivery slots with seven supermarkets (Asda, Iceland, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose) became the primary 4 Second Special Report of Session 2021–22 offer for CEV individuals. Once again, the focus of this scheme has been the needs of recipients instead of suppliers: firm regulation around how supermarkets may use the data they receive from Government ensures they cannot target marketing at anyone who does not already have an account with them. This regulation has ensured that the scheme always serves the needs and interests of the recipients before the retailers. Conclusion and Recommendation 5: During the 2021 lockdown, the Government has relied more heavily on supermarkets to provide food to vulnerable groups. We support the principle that where possible people should be supported to shop for themselves. However, if the Government is directing custom towards supermarkets, it should be publicly asking them to accommodate the needs of the Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV), elderly and disabled people. For example, by lowering minimum spends and removing delivery charges for CEV customers. However, a disproportionate number of people with disabilities are digitally excluded through not having access to the necessary equipment or skills. Therefore, whilst recognising the good work of the charitable sector, the Government must ensure that local authorities are properly resourced, and that retailers recognise their responsibility, to assist those who are digitally excluded in making food orders for delivery. (Paragraph 23) Response: Defra is grateful for the support of supermarkets to enable vulnerable individuals to access prioritised home delivery slots, as we continue to hold regular conversations with each of the seven supermarkets participating in the offer of priority access to online deliveries: Asda, Iceland, Morrisons, Ocado, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Waitrose. The department uses these meetings as an opportunity to convey any concerns raised by charities or Local Authorities around topics such as delivery charges. Although Defra cannot legally dictate the delivery costs charged by supermarkets, our regular conversations ensure that supermarkets understand the impact that delivery charges can have in preventing a CEV person from being able to access food. Alongside encouraging supermarkets to seriously consider the impact delivery charges can have on CEV people, Defra also monitors delivery charges and circulates this information to Local Authorities in the form of a “supermarket toolkit” to allow them to advise their residents accordingly. This document contains information on where a retailer’s service can be accessed by phone instead of through the internet, which Local Authorities may use to support digitally excluded residents. Lastly, guidance provided to the CEV (through gov.uk webpages and shielding letters) includes a phone number for the NHS volunteer responders service. CEV individuals can call this number if they are not able to access food through the priority access to supermarket delivery slots scheme – for instance if they are digitally excluded. Since November 2020, Government has provided councils with funding at a rate of £14.60 per CEV individual per four weeks whilst their local area has been subject to shielding guidance, to enable councils to support those CEV individuals in need. To date, MHCLG has provided over £113 million to Local Authorities through this funding formula, with a further £60 million to be provided by the end of May. The funding was not ringfenced to provide maximum flexibility, but councils were expected to use it to deliver the activities and outcomes outlined in the Shielding Framework. Second Special Report of Session 2021–22 5 There are numerous examples of Local Authorities using their funding to support digitally excluded residents. In Hampshire, classes are being run by the Local Authority at local libraries, aimed at people who have internet connections and equipment but lack confidence in using them. Derby City Council has loaned tablets to vulnerable people and installed Wi-Fi in the homes of some CEV individuals. Essex County Council has created a network of digital-buddy volunteers. These volunteers called CEV residents who required assistance and wherever possible support was provided at home. A campaign was also put in place to encourage residents to help older CEV family members to improve their digital literacy. Conclusion and Recommendation 6: It is imperative that food retailers ensure that their stores are accessible to disabled people. We recognise the challenges faced in adapting stores to social distancing in the early months of the pandemic, but there is no excuse for ongoing barriers. All food retailers m