Purpose

Gloucestershire County Council’s (GCC)
Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion Strategy (DIIS) aims to
provide a modern, robust fixed and wireless broadband network while
providing people and businesses with the tools they need to become
digitally included and safe online.

The purpose of the engagement process is to provide an opportunity
for all relevant stakeholders to discuss the types of digital
infrastructure and inclusion initiatives that may be necessary to
enhance connectivity and accessibility. This process aims to ensure
that when adopted the DIIS creates a more inclusive environment
where everyone can access essential online services and
resources.

Decision

In coming to this decision I have given due
and full regard to the requirements of the public sector equality
duty contained in section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 (“the
Act”) by reference to the law itself and also the relevant
Equality Impact Assessment, which was prepared in accordance with
the requirements of the Act. When discussing the draft content of
the Draft Digital Infrastructure and Inclusion Strategy with
officers, the importance of digital innovation as part of the wider
strategy became more prominent.
 
 To reflect this
within the draft strategy it was agreed that Innovation be added to
the title of the draft strategy.
 
 Having fully
considered all the available information, I have decided to reject
the alternative options and take the decision to:
 
(a) Approve a 6-week stakeholder engagement
process on the Draft Digital Infrastructure, Inclusion, and
Innovation Strategy, from the 8 September 2025 to the 19 October
2025.
 
 
(b) Authorise officers to assess
representations in consultation with the Cabinet Member for
Business, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure and to
produce a summary report highlighting any changes to the Draft
Digital Infrastructure, Inclusion, and Innovation Strategy
following the conclusion of the stakeholder engagement. (c) Publish
a copy of the summary report on GCC’s website upon its
completion. For the reasons set out in the report