Agenda item - Greater Brighton Digital Action Plan

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board

1)            That the Board agrees with the key priorities and projects identified from the workshop outlined in this paper and the Action Plan at Appendix 1. Actions suggested for the Board itself are outlined below.

2)            That the Board endorse the multimode delivery model for full fibre as outlined in the strategy, recognising the need for different models in different contexts.

3)            That the Board creates/identifies a group to explore an integrated visitor destination strategy to include digital expert representation.

4)            That the Board supports the identification of local authority transport leads, and supports a discovery workshop on smart/intelligent transport.

5)            That the Board requests a workshop on “business and digital” bringing Business Hothouse partners, representatives from economic development teams and digital experts together to explore opportunities to develop the digital offer to businesses in relation to productivity and innovation.

6)            That the Board request local authority contributions to a mapping exercise for resident/community digital inclusion initiatives across the Greater Brighton for reporting to a future Board meeting.

7)            That the Board considers how to establish a bid development fund to allow for the creation of “bid-ready” project proposals, potentially through contributions from member authorities.  Projects requiring funding are highlighted in the action plan.

8)            That the Board acknowledges the strategic role being played by the Everything Connects group chaired by Alex Bailey, and notes the extension of an invitation to join for Lewes District Council, delivering representation from all areas.

24.1      The Board considered a report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board updated on progress on the Digital Strategy and recommended an action plan to take the Strategy forward.

24.2      Councillor Walsh asked if any engagement had been made with the NHS.

24.3      Paul Brewer answered that discussions would likely commence after the roll out of full fibre with a view to innovation in health services.

24.4      Councillor Ash-Edwards stated that it was important to explain the offer to regional business and business that may want to relocate to the region.

24.5      RESOLVED-

1)             That the Board agrees with the key priorities and projects identified from the workshop outlined in this paper and the Action Plan at Appendix 1. Actions suggested for the Board itself are outlined below.

2)             That the Board endorse the multimode delivery model for full fibre as outlined in the strategy, recognising the need for different models in different contexts.

3)             That the Board creates/identifies a group to explore an integrated visitor destination strategy to include digital expert representation.

4)             That the Board supports the identification of local authority transport leads, and supports a discovery workshop on smart/intelligent transport.

5)             That the Board requests a workshop on “business and digital” bringing Business Hothouse partners, representatives from economic development teams and digital experts together to explore opportunities to develop the digital offer to businesses in relation to productivity and innovation.

6)             That the Board request local authority contributions to a mapping exercise for resident/community digital inclusion initiatives across the Greater Brighton for reporting to a future Board meeting.

7)             That the Board considers how to establish a bid development fund to allow for the creation of “bid-ready” project proposals, potentially through contributions from member authorities.  Projects requiring funding are highlighted in the action plan.

8)             That the Board acknowledges the strategic role being played by the Everything Connects group chaired by Alex Bailey, and notes the extension of an invitation to join for Lewes District Council, delivering representation from all areas.