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

Director of Adult Social Care Operations and Safeguarding

East Riding of Yorkshire Council
£103,150 - £112,589 (Director Band 1-3)
Lead our journey from recovery to excellence. East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: East Riding of Yorkshire Council

Social Work Consultant

Durham County Council
Grade 13 - £47,181 - £51,356
Do you believe every child deserves to grow up surrounded by love, family, and a sense of belonging? Are you ready to be part of a leadership team th Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 14 - £50,269 - £54,495
Do you believe every child deserves to grow up surrounded by love, family, and a sense of belonging? Are you ready to lead a team that makes this vis Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker Fostering

Durham County Council
Grade 9 - £35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / Grade 11 - £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
Do you believe every child deserves to grow up surrounded by love, family, and a sense of belonging?   We’re on an exciting journey to expand our Conn Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Operational Support Assistants

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
We are recruiting two Operational Support Assistants to join our team at Hackworth Road Depot, Peterlee.    WHAT IS INVOLVED?   We are recruiting two Peterlee
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner