Issue - meetings

To receive an update on the implementation of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Broadband Plan and to consider the investment needed, and the programme of, the wider Connecting Cheshire Partnership with Cheshire West and Chester, Warrington and Halton Councils.

Consideration was given to the implementation of the Cheshire and Warrington Broadband Plan, to the investment needed, and to the programme of the wider Connecting Cheshire Partnership with Cheshire West and Chester, Warrington and Halton Councils. 

The report detailed the financial support available from the UK Government whose objective was to deliver the best superfast broadband network in Europe by 2015, with funded Local Broadband Plans being in place by the end of April 2012. 

RESOLVED

1.      That the Cheshire Warrington and Halton Local Broadband Plan, as detailed in Appendix B of the report, be received and endorsed.

1. That the Council investment of £1.2 million, profiled over three years to provide for 90% superfast broadband coverage across the Borough, with an ambition to achieve 100% coverage by leveraging European Grant Funding, be noted.

2. That approval be given for the Strategic Director Places and Organisational Capacity, and the Director of Finance & Business Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Performance and Capacity, to be given delegated authority to make necessary decisions on approved matters to enable the delivery of the Superfast Broadband project.

3. That approval be given for the Director of Finance and Business Services, the Borough Solicitor and the ICT Manager to prepare, negotiate and sign off legal documentation required between the Council and the Secretary of State, and the Connecting Cheshire Partnership, as required.