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

FM Hard Services and Accommodations Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£43,545 - £59,220 per annum
Join a progressive and results-driven Corporate Facilities Management (FM) team, delivering high-quality services across approximately 300 buildings within Richmond and Wandsworth. Our remit encompasses a broad range of critical functions, including
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Marketing and Events Assistant

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£27,781 - £31,134
Marketing and Events Assistant... Richmond, Greater London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Part Time Residential Workers x2

Essex County Council
£25395.00 - £32131.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave + Local Gov Pension
Part Time Residential Workers x2Permanent, Part Time£25,395 to £32,131 per annum, plus 10% allowance, full time equivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Ruling Group Support Officer

Liverpool City Council
£51356 - £56673
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic, and engaged communities... Liverpool, Merseyside
Recuriter: Liverpool City Council

Educational Psychologist - Main Grade

Essex County Council
£43483.0000 - £63394.0000 per annum
Educational Psychologist - Main GradePermanent, Full TimeSoulbury Psychologists Scale A from 3 to 8 plus SPA opportunityLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner