Agenda item

Philip Clifford, Senior Adviser, introduced the item. He updated members on the LGA’s recent activity on digital connectivity and advised that Sharon White, Chief Executive of Ofcom, would attend the board in January.

Melanie Haslam, Public Affairs and Campaigns Adviser, updated members on the progress of the Digital Economy Bill. Published in July, the bill had had its 2^nd reading in September. Two proposed amendments had been narrowly voted down. Officers advised that these would be re-introduced in the Lords. The LGA were now using the bill to inform its response to the Autumn Statement and would be meeting with MPs to raise the profile of the work.

The following points were made:

·         There were concerns that many rural and remote rural areas had not yet benefited from the roll-out of the Superfast Broadband programme.

·         It was suggested that compensation should be provided to those without the service.

·         There was a discussion around the digital skills training provided by councils and the plans for digital inclusion to be covered by the Adult Education Budget. Officers suggested that it was unclear at present whether the AEB funding envelope was sufficient to fund anything additional, and were therefore proceeding with caution.

Decision:

1.    Members noted the update.

Action:

1.    Officers to explore any progress on the funding of digital inclusion from the AEB and produce a short note for the next board meeting if there are any new developments.