The Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee met on 25 March 2026 to discuss improving broadband connectivity in rural areas and the future delivery model for highways maintenance. The committee resolved to request a review of national broadband policy, establish a task force to monitor the voucher scheme, and review the decision not to endorse 5G on council assets. They also approved the establishment of a Standing Overview Group to scrutinise the upcoming highways maintenance contract.

Broadband - Community Voucher Scheme Opportunity

The committee discussed the re-opened Gigabit Voucher Scheme, aimed at increasing broadband coverage across Devon, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs including Broadband, highlighted the essential nature of connectivity for everyday life, reducing isolation, and improving wellbeing. She mentioned ongoing discussions with Devon's MPs and a request for a ministerial meeting to address the significant impact of poor connectivity on the county's communities.

The report detailed that while superfast broadband coverage in Devon was at 89% by the end of 2023, current projections suggest it will only reach 94% by the end of 2027, leaving 35,000 premises below superfast speeds. Gigabit coverage currently stands at 75%, with projections indicating it will reach 83% by 2028, falling short of the national target of 99% by 2032. This disparity raises potential legal and equality considerations.

Concerns were raised about the time-limited nature of the government's voucher scheme, with a deadline for project approval in August 2026 and final build completion by March 2028. The stop-start approach to support was seen as deterring sustained planning and investment. The committee heard from the Chief Executive Officer of Bush Broadband, a local provider focusing on rural solutions, and acknowledged representations from Councillor King of East Devon District Council regarding rural broadband.

Following discussion, the committee resolved to:

• Request Cabinet to review the legal and equality implications of current national broadband policy concerning the Council's duties under the Equality Act 2010, and escalate these concerns to national government to address unequal impacts on rural and hard-to-reach communities.
• Establish a Task and Finish group to monitor the delivery of the broadband voucher scheme.
• Request Cabinet to review the decision not to endorse 5G on County Council assets.
• Request Cabinet to develop clear pathways for engagement with Parish Councils, communities, and individuals on access to broadband.

Future Delivery Model of the Highways Maintenance Service - Standing Overview Group Scoping Paper

The committee considered a report on proposals for Scrutiny to oversee preparations for the next period of the Highways Maintenance Service contract. The current contract with Milestone Infrastructure, valued at over £500 million, was extended until March 2029 due to uncertainty following the English Devolution White Paper. Councillor Steve Keable seconded the motion.

The establishment of a Standing Overview Group (SOG) was proposed to ensure transparency, strong governance, and robust challenge throughout the development of the new contract. The SOG will examine key elements such as contract strategy, scope of services, commercial and financial approaches, market engagement, collaboration, innovation, carbon and environmental management, social value, performance management, and transition arrangements.

The committee resolved to note the draft Scoping Paper and approve the establishment and commencement of the Standing Overview Group.

Joint Adults and Children's Systems Replacement Programme (JACS) Standing Overview Group

The committee received an update on the Joint Adults and Children's Systems Replacement Programme (JACS) from a Standing Overview Group meeting held on 6 January 2026. This significant transformation programme aims to replace existing separate systems for Adult Social Care, Children and Young People's Futures, and Corporate Services with a modern, integrated platform. The project, which began in 2019, was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and statutory changes, leading to a strategic rethink in 2023 to include children's social care and integration with finance systems.

The new system is intended to reduce duplication, improve productivity, enable secure information sharing, and support faster payments. It will affect approximately 5,400 users and involves migrating around 500,000 legacy records. The phased implementation is scheduled to begin with the LiquidLogic children's system and finance modules going live in December 2026, followed by adult systems and portals.

Members discussed staff training, noting that many staff may already be familiar with similar systems. The potential for using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to speed up case note entry was also raised. Concerns about safeguarding data were addressed, with clarification that children's and adults' data would remain separate within the integrated system. The importance of a single portal for families to view their support was highlighted, though it was clarified this would initially only cover adult and children's services. The system is expected to facilitate smoother transitions for young people moving into adulthood. The committee was assured that the investment in the system, which is widely used nationally, is unlikely to be at risk due to potential Local Government Reorganisation. The development of a children's portal to allow direct communication with young people and access to their information was also discussed.

Scrutiny Work Programme

The Head of Scrutiny was scheduled to hold separate discussions with the committee regarding the scheduling of items for the work programme.