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

Area Team Leader - Development Management

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£51,356 - £53,460
This is an exciting time to join the Kirklees Council Development Management team. Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Domestic Abuse Project Officer

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£45,091- £47,181
There is a renewed energy and determination to tackle domestic abuse Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Customer Service Officer

North Yorkshire Council
£27,254 - £29,064 per annum
Are you someone that can use innovative thinking to come up with timely solutions to problems? Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Data Specialist

North Yorkshire Council
£42,839 - £47,181
Do you want to build data tools that will underpin intelligence-led decision making and play a key role in shaping the future of analytics North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Senior Transport Officer-Travel Planning

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 10 £35,422 - £38,730 per annum
We’re looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Senior Transport Officer – Travel Planning to join our Sustainable Travel Team Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council
Linkedin Banner