William Eichler 19 May 2022

Slow Gigabit broadband roll-out ‘stumbling block’ for levelling up

Slow Gigabit broadband roll-out ‘stumbling block’ for levelling up image
Image: Casezy idea/Shutterstock.com.

The Government’s levelling up agenda is likely to hit a ‘major stumbling block’ due to a lack of awareness, funding and focussed roles when it comes to the roll-out of Gigabit broadband, study says.

Connecting the UK, a new report by Cluttons, in association with YouGov, collated input from 550 UK-wide councillors into the roll-out of 5G and Gigabit capable broadband.

The Government had prioritised the roll-out as one of its 12 key points in the Levelling Up white paper. However, Cluttons says the targets themselves have been 'watered down'.

The YouGov poll found that less than half of councils have a digital champion or strategy in place and less than a quarter (24%) believed local authorities had enough digital connectivity information or awareness

Fewer than one third believed their local authority was doing enough to support the rollout of 5G and Gigabit capable broadband. In addition, just 15% of councillors said that their local authority had the funding it needed to prioritise digital connectivity

John Gravett, partner at Cluttons, said: ‘Connectivity should be considered one of the most crucial factors towards Levelling Up the UK given it is inextricably linked to investment, performance, jobs, talent, education, access to social and healthcare.

‘It is disappointing therefore that we are behind on the progress towards reaching 85% nationwide capable gigabit technology by 2025, something even the Parliamentary Watchdog accepted in its report earlier this year.

‘Our research with YouGov supports this, and flags further stumbling blocks that the UK needs to overcome in order to meet these targets and supercharge the UK’s connectivity programme. However, we believe these challenges can be overcome.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Corporate Director Children and Young People’s Service

North Yorkshire Council
£136,853 to £159,178 plus relocation support
North Yorkshire is England's largest county and a beautiful, vibrant place to live and work. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Customer Service Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £12541.00 per annum
Customer Service AssistantPermanent, Part Time£12,541 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Executive Director of Communications and Engagement

City of London
Competitive Salary
This role requires strategic vision, operational excellence, and political acumen London (City of), London (Greater)
Recuriter: City of London

Support Worker

Oxfordshire County Council
£25992 - £28163
You will be supporting adults with learning disabilities, mental health needs, ageing needs and dementia. This is a frontline role where you will be providing high quality and meaningful activities, medication support, personal care, food and drink prepar Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Community Support Worker

Essex County Council
£25395.0000 - £32131.0000 per annum
The Role As a Community Support Worker, your role will include undertaking Assessments and Reviews in line with our Statutory duties under the Care England, Essex, Clacton-On-Sea
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner