Source · Select Committees · Culture, Media and Sport Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Paragraph: 92
The roll-out of gigabit-capable networks will put considerable strain on local authorities, which are already...
Recommendation
The roll-out of gigabit-capable networks will put considerable strain on local authorities, which are already facing considerable pressures on their budgets. The Government must retain the expertise gained through the superfast programme and ensure local authorities are resourced sufficiently to support the roll-out of gigabit- capable connectivity at pace.
Paragraph Reference:
92
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
The Government agrees that local authorities are important for the delivery of nationwide gigabit capable broadband. The Barrier Busting Task Force within DCMS is actively advising local authorities across the UK, including through its Digital Connectivity Portal on the DCMS website. The team works with industry, local authorities and landowners to identify and remove barriers to deployment, including those that require changes to the law. In relation to its £5 billion UK Gigabit Programme, the Department is working closely with the Local Government Association, through the ADEPT group of local authorities, to agree the delivery model, specific roles and resource requirements. The Department has also been meeting with senior officials in each of the existing local authority partners to confirm alignment between the programme and their own strategic objectives. The Department will monitor the situation in light of ongoing financial pressures. The Department’s delivery team for the £5 billion programme includes a proactive field team based in the regions. Each local authority has a named resource from the Department who works with them to continually look at options for increasing broadband coverage. This includes the Department’s whole portfolio of interventions or programmes - Superfast, Local Full Fibre Networks, Rural Gigabit Connectivity, Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme - and will also include the UK Gigabit Programme. An independent review of the Superfast Broadband Programme was recently published which found it had created £2.7 billion in economic benefits since starting in 2012. This included a surge in the value of homes sold in programme areas between 2012 and 2019 by up to £3,500.