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.'

Black hole spending review image

Black hole spending review

Jonathan Werran, chief executive of Localis, reflects on what the Spending Review means for local government.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Regeneration

Redbridge London Borough Council
£96,861 - £100,671
Right now, we’re in the midst of ambitious regeneration plans that will transform our borough for generations to come Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Head of Leisure & Culture

Redbridge London Borough Council
£96,861 - £100,671
Our borough’s Leisure and Culture provision is integral to making Redbridge a great place to live Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Head of Leader’s Office

Redbridge London Borough Council
£59,739 - £63,159
This role will see you working at the very centre of the Council’s work Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Head of Operational Services

South Derbyshire District Council
£73,051 to £75,342
Ready to shape the future of a thriving district? Derbyshire
Recuriter: South Derbyshire District Council

Director of Family Help and Safeguarding

Reading Borough Council
£105,836 - £121,235
Lead Transformational and Improvement Change for Children’s Services Reading, Berkshire
Recuriter: Reading Borough Council
Linkedin Banner