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.'

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Service Manager - Care Leavers

Cheshire East Council
£54,994 per annum - £62,777 per annum
We're looking for an experienced and passionate Service Manager to join Cheshire East Council. Location TBC
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

SEND Plan Writer

Cheshire East Council
£31,537 - £34,434
We're looking for a dedicated SEND Plan Writer to join Cheshire East. Macclesfield, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Independent Reviewing Officer

Cheshire East Council
£42,072 - £54,994
Make a difference for children in care Macclesfield, Cheshire
Recuriter: Cheshire East Council

Occupational Therapy Lead

Gloucestershire County Council
£48,226 - £51,356 per annum
Are you passionate about supporting adults to live independently and achieve what matters most to them? Gloucestershire
Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council

Adult Education Director

City Of Doncaster Council
DR1 £45,564 to DR8 £52,209
We are seeking an experienced and inspirational Further Education leader Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council
Linkedin Banner