The government’s rollout of superfast broadband is on track to reach 95% of the UK by 2017, with new figures showing more than three million homes and businesses now have access to internet speeds greater than 24 Mbps.

The figures have been published following news that BT is returning £129m to local authorities to extend superfast broadband coverage, after take-up was better than originally forecast.

Culture secretary John Whittingdale said: ‘Reaching three million properties is a huge achievement. Our rollout of superfast broadband is transforming lives up and down the country as every day thousands more homes and businesses are gaining access to superfast speeds.’

Councils across the country are now preparing plans to rollout superfast broadband across their local areas. The Northern Lincs Broadband (NLBB) has confirmed it will extend coverage to a further 4,000 households and businesses, using savings made from the first phase of the project and funding from BT and Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK).

Cllr Liz Redfern, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: ‘The first phase of the project was a huge success. It was in the top six nationally for completing the rollout the quickest. I’m positive we will add to this success with the second phase.

‘It is fantastic news that BT is providing additional funding due to the take up of broadband being higher than expected. This shows how successful the first phase was.’