(KEY DECISION)

Report No.85/2019

Report No.85/2019 was received from the Chief Executive.

Mr Hemsley, Leader of the Council, introduced the report the purpose of which was to approve the draft Digital Rutland Strategy 2019-2022.

During discussion the following points were noted:

·         It was noted that where superfast broadband coverage was available, take-up rates were very high.

·         On completion of phase 3, expected by the end of August 2019, 97% of Rutland premises would have access to superfast broadband.

·         The Chief Executive would let Ward Members know which areas of the County would not be covered after completion of Phase 3.

·         Table 7 on page 23/24 of the report recorded 0% not spots for mobile coverage on Rutland roads. Members commented however that in practice there were plenty of areas where there was not a mobile signal and felt that this figure needed to be questioned. The definition of what a ‘not-spot’ was needed to be properly defined.

DECISION:

Cabinet approved the draft Digital Rutland Strategy 2019-2022.

Reasons for the decision:

The production of a Digital Rutland Strategy 2019-2022 is not a statutory requirement. Instead it sets out a strategic framework for the period 2019-2022 that supports the delivery of a number of the Council’s priorities and objectives and delivery of other local strategies as well as supporting the UK government ambitions.