Access to fast and reliable broadband is vital infrastructure for supporting growth, particularly in rural areas.
Key points:
Access to fast and reliable broadband is vital infrastructure for supporting growth, particularly in rural areas. It also makes communication between people, businesses and public agencies easier and is essential to achieving the Government's public service reform agenda.
Communities which are already lagging behind in the publicly funded broadband and Wi-Fi rollout need access to fast and reliable digital connectivity, both internet and mobile, as soon as possible.
The Government should commit to 100 per cent broadband coverage and, with OFCOM, stimulate the competition that will secure value for money from the considerable existing and future public investment in broadband, and work to ensure that procurement timeframes encourage competition.
Local government has a strong record of using new technology to improve efficiency and deliver services better. Councils have digitised key transactions and are using digital technology and data to transform public services and help address costly social and economic challenges.
Devolution provides further opportunities for the use of digital in creating new partnerships and ways of working and councils should be free to pursue a digital strategy that supports local resident and business needs.