Agenda item - Greater Brighton Digital Action Plan

Report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board

1)             That the Board agrees to the revised key priorities and projects outlined in this paper and the Action Plan at Appendix 1.

32.1      The Board considered a report of the Chair, Greater Brighton Officer Programme Board that presented an update on the Greater Brighton Digital Action Plan.

32.2      Councillor Allcock stated that the pandemic had presented critical challenges for access to digital services particularly for disadvantaged people. Councillor Allcock stated that he was pleased the Board was taking a lead and enquired whether progress could be sped up.

32.3      Simon Hughes replied that discussions were underway with key partners on that and it was important to diversify the market and not allow monopolisation.

32.4      Councillor Ash-Edwards stated that he endorsed the proposal to speed up progress as full fibre rollout was economically highly impactful. Councillor Ash-Edwards noted the importance of funding full fibre rollout in rural areas that business would not prioritise.

32.5      Simon Hughes noted that DCMS were interested in alternative funding methods for rural areas and there were market providers that specialised in the area that were already funded.

32.6      RESOLVED- That the Board agrees to the revised key priorities and projects outlined in this paper and the Action Plan at Appendix 1.