Purpose

Seeking approval and adoption of the local
authority's strategy for rolling out digital infrastructure and
improving connectivity across Buckinghamshire

Content

Buckinghamshire did not
currently have a strategy for digital infrastructure and
connectivity. As a key enabler of growth there was a need for a
strategy to drive focus of activity and promote better connectivity
across the county particularly as the market became more complex.
The Growth Board agreed that a working group would be put together
to review the evidence and support development of the strategy. The
group comprised of colleagues from Economic Growth and
Regeneration, Bucks Local Enterprise Partnership , Bucks Business First, Community Boards
and the IT.  A draft outline for the
Strategy was considered by the Growth Board in June 2024 and at
that stage did not have a detailed action plan.
 
RESOLVED
 

·      
That the Digital Infrastructure &
Connectivity Strategy 2024-30 and action plan as a key corporate
document of Buckinghamshire Council be endorsed.
 

·      
That the success measures outlined in
the report be agreed.
 

·      
That the focus of activity set out in
the report be agreed
 

·      
That the £51k windfall income
from the rural broadband contract be retained for the purchase of
equipment to enable mobile coverage data gathering (forecast
£5k) and the remaining windfall funding be placed in the
Economic Development reserve for development of a rural hub
programme be agreed.
 

·      
That the voucher programme utilising
remaining funding (already in capital budget) be
resumed.