The Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index 2025 has landed and it’s a powerful reminder of the urgent need to close the UK’s digital skills gap. Now in its tenth year, the Index is the UK’s largest measure of digital and financial capability, drawing on data from over a million customers and thousands of survey participants.
This year’s edition, dubbed “The Generative AI Edition”, places artificial intelligence at the heart of the conversation — and for good reason. AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s already shaping how millions of people manage their money, access services, and make decisions.
What the Report Reveals
- 28 million UK adults have used AI to help manage their money.
- 1 in 3 adults now use AI weekly for personal finance tasks like budgeting, saving, and financial education.
- AI users report average annual savings of £399, with 12% of Londoners saving over £1,500.
- 21 million working-age adults still lack at least one essential digital skill.
- Those with higher digital and financial capability save £815 more per year than those with lower skills.
- Trust and confidence remain major barriers: 88% of non-users cite data privacy and security concerns.
These figures paint a clear picture: digital skills are no longer optional. They are the foundation for financial wellbeing, economic resilience, and meaningful participation in an increasingly AI-driven society.
What This Means for the South West
At Cosmic, we’ve long championed digital inclusion as a pathway to opportunity. In the South West, where rurality, connectivity, and economic inequality can create additional barriers, the need for targeted support is even more pressing.
We work with individuals, jobseekers, and businesses to build digital confidence , from basic skills to emerging technologies like AI. Our employability programmes, digital skills training, and partnerships with local authorities and employers are all designed to ensure no one is left behind.
A Word from Our CEO
“This year’s Lloyds report doesn’t just highlight a challenge — it signals a turning point. AI is no longer emerging; it’s embedded in how we live, work and manage our money. Digital confidence isn’t just ‘no longer optional’ — it’s now urgent. If we don’t act, we risk deepening inequality and leaving millions behind. At Cosmic, we’re not just responding — we’re leading the way to ensure everyone has the skills, trust and support to thrive in this AI-powered world.”
— Julie Hawker, CEO, Cosmic
Join the Conversation and Be Part of the Solution
We encourage everyone, from policymakers to employers, educators to community leaders, to read the full report and reflect on what it means for your work.
- Read the full Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index 2025
- Show your support for digital inclusion and AI readiness by signing the FutureDotNow Digital Skills Charter — a national commitment to building essential digital skills for life and work.
- Want to explore how Cosmic can support your organisation or community with Essential Digital Skills and AI training?
Get in touch with us , we’d love to talk.
As AI becomes embedded in everyday life, the need for digital confidence, financial capability, and ethical awareness has never been greater. At Cosmic, we’re already working with individuals, employers, and communities to build these skills, from Essential Digital Skills (EDS) training to AI awareness workshops that empower people to use new technologies safely and confidently.
Skills Bootcamps: Building Confidence for the Future
As part of our commitment to future-ready skills, Cosmic is currently delivering two Skills Bootcamps in Devon: AI for Workplace Productivity, and Power Platform and Process Automation, with the majority of funding provided by the Department for Education (DfE) via Devon County Council. These intensive, practical programmes are designed to help individuals and businesses:
Do you wish to build digital confidence in your community or workplace? Get in touch to explore Cosmic’s Essential Digital Skills and AI training options.
- Understand the fundamentals of AI and its real-world applications
- Build confidence using AI tools in the workplace
- Explore ethical considerations and responsible use
- Develop practical skills in automation, data handling, and productivity tools
Whether you’re a jobseeker, career changer, or employer looking to upskill your team, these bootcamps are a fantastic opportunity to get ahead in a rapidly changing digital landscape.