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

Deputy Director of Adult Social Services

Rochdale BC
up to £108,870
Rochdale is a diverse metropolitan borough within Greater Manchester, home to around 242,000 residents. Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Rochdale BC

Head of Regeneration and Strategic Project Delivery

Vale of Glamorgan Council
£82,242.00 - £91,146.00 per Year
Help shape the future of the Vale of Glamorgan. The Vale of Glamorgan (Bro Morgannwg)
Recuriter: Vale of Glamorgan Council

Director of Care & Health Integration (DASS) and NHS Place Partnership Director

Rochdale BC
up to £149,041
Rochdale is a diverse metropolitan borough within Greater Manchester, home to around 242,000 residents. Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Rochdale BC

Graduate Programme – Project Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£31,586 (2026/7 pay award pending)
Job Title – Graduate Project Officer Salary Range - £31,586 (2026/7 pay award pending) 2 Year Fixed Term Contract Full Time- 36 Hours Location
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Shovel Driver/Plant Operative - Chelmsford

Essex County Council
Up to £28033.00 per annum
Shovel Driver/Plant Operative - ChelmsfordPermanent, Full Time£28,033 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner