Local government leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to making sure people have access to broadband internet technology.

A new report from Which? has revealed that 16 million people had problems with their home broadband in the last year.

Which? found that four in 10 (38%) of those who experienced internet connection issues have been completely stopped from carrying out one or more online activities? as a result.

One in five (19%) people said that connection problems have had a negative financial impact on them.

Responding to research, Cllr Gillian Brown, vice chair of the LGA’s people and places board, said access to fast and reliable digital connectivity was 'increasingly a necessity for households'.

She said: 'This research reinforces the LGA’s warning that advertised broadband speeds, which are only available to 10% of customers are misleading, and often don't reflect the experience of many users, particularly those in remote rural areas.

'Councils want to ensure everyone has good quality internet access. As part of our Up to Speed campaign, we have called for greater honesty and openness about the download and upload speeds customers are likely to receive depending on their location.

'Local government has invested more than £740m in the roll-out of Superfast Broadband to over four million premises across the country and is committed to exploring with the communications industry, regulators and government how best to ensure residents across the country can benefit from public investment in new technology wherever they live.'