Mark Whitehead 18 September 2019

Councils ‘best placed’ to understand digital needs of local areas

The Local Government Association (LGA) says councils have a central role to play in making sure people in countryside areas have access to the fastest broadband services.

The LGA was responding to a report by MPs saying the Government had failed to reduce the 'digital divide' between urban and rural areas.

The select committee on rural connectivity said Government policy was inadequate and unclear and in danger of becoming obsolete.

Kevin Bentley, chairman of the LGA’s people and places board, said: 'Councils are best placed to understand the digital needs of their local areas.

'They have been at the centre of delivering the Superfast Broadband Programme, having committed £740m to extending connectivity to the hardest to reach areas, but cannot fix the issue alone.'

He added: 'It is concerning that Ofcom has chosen to roll back its coverage obligation to reach only 90% of communities at a time when so many are already being poorly served.

'The Government needs to work with Ofcom to launch a rural mobile roaming scheme allowing customers to roam onto any available network should 4G coverage not reach 95% by 2022.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Early Years and Early Help

London Borough of Merton
£90,126 - £98,319
Merton is an Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’ authority—yet it is our ambition, our humility, and our drive to keep learning that truly define us. Merton, London (Greater)
Recuriter: London Borough of Merton

Specialist Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£42,839 - £47,181
A welcome from the Corporate Director of Children and Young People Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Specialist Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£42,839 - £47,181
A welcome from the Corporate Director of Children and Young People Malton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Specialist Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£42,839 - £47,181
A welcome from the Corporate Director of Children and Young People Ripon, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Specialist Social Worker

North Yorkshire Council
£42,839 - £47,181
A welcome from the Corporate Director of Children and Young People Harrogate, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner