Written question WQ93963
- Asked by
- Samuel KurtzConservative
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 5 days
Question
How is the Welsh Government supporting local authorities to achieve their broadband connectivity commitments?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning
Telecommunications is not a devolved matter and responsibility for broadband connectivity rests with the UK Government.
Due to the previous UK Government’s failure to invest, the Welsh Government has stepped into this non-devolved policy area, and through our Local Broadband Fund has made funding available to support local authorities and social enterprises to deliver broadband projects locally. Over £11m of funding has been awarded to nine projects directly supporting local authorities throughout Wales.
Welsh Government officials work with Swansea Bay City Deal and North Wales and Mid Wales Growth Deals to support the development of their digital projects.
Welsh Government has also established a Wales Digital Infrastructure Group with members from local authorities across Wales. The group allows for exchange of knowledge and best practice between Welsh Government and local authorities to support practical actions that can be taken to improve access to digital infrastructure.