Issue - meetings

That the Committee supports the progress made in creating and implementing an ambitious programme for digital connectivity in North Wales.

The Enterprise and Regeneration Manager introduced a report on the development of digital infrastructure in North Wales and Flintshire.  He provided background information and advised that the report provided an update on the digital work carried out to date by the North Wales Economic Ambition Board (NWEAB), and in particular the development of the Digital Connectivity Strategy for the region.  The report also provided an update on the Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) project being developed to secure funding from UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. 

The Enterprise and Regeneration Manager provided background information and presented the key considerations, as detailed in the report, on the North Wales digital connectivity strategy and local full fibre network programme. 

Councillor Ted Palmer asked if new residential developments in Flintshire would benefit from the investment in the fibre network.  The Housing Programmes Manager explained that new build Council properties could benefit from improved digital connectivity.    

During discussion the Enterprise and Regeneration Manager responded to the questions raised by Councillor Rosetta Dolphin regarding access to the network and the mapping of key strategic sites for North Wales and ‘white’ residential properties in North Wales as illustrated on pages 29 and 36 of the report.

Councillor Patrick Heesom spoke of the need for improved access for local communities.  In response to the further comments made by Councillor Heesom, the Chief Officer (Governance) advised that the Council continued to provide face-to-face and telephone access to services in addition to online provision.    He referred to the benefits of the investment in fibre network and said the Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) proposal currently stood at £9m worth of investment in the region.  Delivery of full fibre broadband would result in high quality connectivity typically only available in larger urban areas and would improve access in remote and rural locations.  The increased connectivity to Council properties through the LFFN programme would also create opportunities to improve services through future-proofed technology. 

RESOLVED:

That the Committee supports the progress made in creating and implementing an ambitious programme for digital connectivity in North Wales.