Latest findings from the Lloyds Bank UK Consumer Digital Index revealed 22% of people in the region were missing out on money-saving deals available to those who are digital-savvy

More than a fifth of people in the North West lack basic digital skills – leaving them at an economic disadvantage.

Latest findings from the Lloyds Bank UK Consumer Digital Index revealed 22% of people in the region were missing out on money-saving deals available to those who are digital-savvy.

The figure is slightly higher than the national average of twenty-one percent.

It means those in the North West are at a higher than average risk of losing out on savings as they shop and bank.

The study revealed that those with high digital capabilities save more than twice as much and nearly twice as often than those with lower capability.

The Index, which measures both skills and behaviours of participants, showed that more than 13% of adults in the North West don’t use the internet – more than a third higher than the national average of 9%.

Nick Williams, Lloyds Banking Group ambassador for the North, said: “Basic digital skills and access to the internet can make a real difference to people’s financial wellbeing, so it’s encouraging to see the majority of people across the North West getting online.

“But for some, going digital and getting online is a challenge, so we all need to support each other to make sure that no-one falls behind and we can all benefit.

“That’s why we have more than 2,500 Digital Champions in the North to help individuals and organisations to improve their financial health through better digital skills.”

As part of its Helping Britain Prosper Plan, Lloyds Banking Group has pledged to provide face-to-face digital skills training (including online banking) for 2.5m individuals, small businesses and charities by 2020.