Decision details

The Business Portfolio Holder presented the report to Members.

He advised Members that the Government had revised its objective of ensuring that 90% of UK premises had access to superfast broadband by 2015, supported by investment of £0.5 billion, to 95% coverage by 2017, supported by a further £250 million of investment. He highlighted that in June 2013, Cabinet had approved an investment of £54,000 to support 577 additional properties and now Leicestershire County Council was seeking a further investment of £214,000 from the authority to assist with the extension of the project. He added that the £214,000 was the absolute maximum funding the District Council would be able to provide.

Councillor A V Smith stated that being able to connect to superfast broadband was on the criteria for many house buyers.

Councillor T J Pendleton stated that superfast broadband would help the district’s green credentials as it would enable more people to work and access services from home.

It was moved by Councillor T Gillard, seconded by Councillor A V Smith and

RESOLVED THAT:

1)    Cabinet notes the work undertaken to date in relation to the county-wide superfast broadband programme

2)    Cabinet agrees to make a further investment of £214,000 in the county-wide broadband – superfast extension programme

3)    Cabinet delegates authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio Holder to commit further investment from the Value for Money reserve and to conclude and sign the collaboration agreement on behalf of the Council

Reason for decision: The proposed commitments exceed the thresholds in the Scheme of Delegation and so delegated authority is requested to facilitate any further investment in the programme.