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

Administration Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824 Pro-rata
WHATS INVOLVED A vacancy has arisen within Business Services for a temporary Administration Officer. You will provide a comprehensive, robust adminis Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Registered Homes Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £50,269 - £54,495 plus £2,500 recruitment/retention allowance and £3,500 market supplement. The salary with additional payments equate to an earning potential per annum of £60,495 at the top of the grade.
Registered Manager – The Beacon Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Cleaner

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Cleaner  Full time, 37 hours per week, term time only. Salary Grade 1 (£24,796 pro rata)  Permanent subject to a successful probationary period. Requi Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Operations Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £38,220 - £41,771
Help launch County Durham’s newest cultural landmark. Opening in summer 2026, The Light will bring together art, science, history, creativity and com Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Travel Planning Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 9 - £35,412 to £39,152
We have an opportunity available as a Travel Planning Officer to join our Integrated Passenger Transport Team.   WHAT IS INVOLVED? You will work with Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner