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.'

Devolution and putting place first image

Devolution and putting place first

The real lesson of Andy Burnham's Makerfield success, argues Dr Jonathan Carr-West, is that place – not personality – is the key to Britain's future.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Move More Development Co-ordinator

Middlesbrough Council
£33,699 - £35,412
We have an exciting role on offer within our Public Health Service as a Move More Development Co-ordinator. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

HR Support Officer

Middlesbrough Council
£27,254 - £28,142
We have an exciting opportunity within our Recruitment Team for a HR Support Officer Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Community Learning Tutor

Middlesbrough Council
£28,598 - £30,024
We have an exciting role on offer within our Community Learning service as a Community Learning Tutor. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Essex Safeguarding Adults Board Senior Communications Officer

Essex County Council
£37435 - £44041 per annum
This is a part time opportunity for 18.5 hours per week. The pro rata'd salary range is £18,717.50 to £22,020.50 per annum.This role sits at the hear England, Essex, Chelmsford
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Device Management Team Leader

Durham County Council
£44,075 to £48,226 p.a. (Grade 12) pay award pending
An exciting opportunity has arisen within Digital Services for a full time permanent Device Management Team Leader.   WHAT IS INVOLVED? As our Device Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner