Local councils are being urged to get behind Government broadband projects or risk losing their funding.
As the deadline for councils to submit their ‘local broadband plans’ to the Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) office approaches, Socitm, an association of public sector ICT workers, wonders how will councils submit their plans if there is a vast issue: lack of local cash.
In more detail, despite the fact that some authorities may struggle to cough up the money, local councils will be required to raise an equal amount of money to the amount given to them by BDUK.
Chris Head, the author of the briefing from Socitm has said that councils should look on this as a way to make what little money they have stretch further. Even though some authorities will struggle to match funds they should see these plans as something to build on as they develop their own internet initiatives.
Socitm is encouraging local chief information officers and heads of ICT to take on a leading role as the government plans to bring superfast internet to 90 per cent of the country, as they are the ones best qualified to lead such initiatives.
“Local politicians are waking up to the opportunities that broadband offers, and recognise the downsides of being left behind,” said Mr Head.
“Now is the time for Socitm members to add their skills to help accelerate progress.”
