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

Independent Living Officer

Kirklees Metropolitan Council
£26,403 - £28,142
Our employees are at the very heart of the services we provide to the community Kirklees, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Kirklees Metropolitan Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£13.28 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team York, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£13.28 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a part time cleaning role? York, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Cleaner and Caretaker

North Yorkshire Council
£13.28 - £13.47 per hour
Are you looking for a part time cleaning role? York, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Team Leaders

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Team Leaders – Opportunities are available across the County Durham Area   Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner