Thirty-fifth Report - Improving Broadband
Select Committee
Public Accounts Committee
HC 688
8 January 2021
Government Response (AI assessment · 22 of 22 classified)
Accepted
16
Government response
Treasury minutes: Government response to the Committee of Public Accounts on the Thirty fifth report from Session 2019-21 · published 26 Mar 2021
Recommendations & Conclusions
4 results
7
Conclusion
Acknowledged
We pointed out to the Department that a year has passed since the general election...
Conclusion
We pointed out to the Department that a year has passed since the general election pledge and with 2021 fast approaching, the level of roll-out would have to be extraordinarily quick to achieve nationwide gigabit connectivity by 2025.13 The Department …
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Government Response Summary
The government reaffirmed its commitment to the £5 billion UK Gigabit Programme, aiming for at least 85% gigabit-capable coverage by 2025, and stated it would continue to work with industry to accelerate rollout towards 100%.
HM Treasury
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9
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The Department describes the £5 billion it has budgeted for its gigabit programme as ‘critical’.
Conclusion
The Department describes the £5 billion it has budgeted for its gigabit programme as ‘critical’. It said that it was continuing as if the programme would gain approval from HM Treasury and expected the funding to be confirmed at the …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the £1.2 billion allocated in the 2020 Spending Review as part of its wider £5 billion commitment to gigabit rollout, explaining the spending profile is based on industry capacity and reiterating its commitment to the full investment and accelerating rollout to achieve 85% coverage by 2025.
HM Treasury
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14
Conclusion
Acknowledged
In its evidence to us the Local Government Association (LGA) called for additional annual funding...
Conclusion
In its evidence to us the Local Government Association (LGA) called for additional annual funding of £30 million for digital champions in Local Authorities. The LGA expects digital champions to co-ordinate delivery at a local level and to provide additional …
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Government Response Summary
The government states it is meeting with local authorities to confirm alignment and will monitor the financial situation, but does not commit to providing additional funding for digital champions or assessing the risk to programme delivery.
HM Treasury
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20
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Since we took evidence, the government has reduced its coverage target to “a minimum of...
Conclusion
Since we took evidence, the government has reduced its coverage target to “a minimum of 85% by 2025” and the Department has been allocated less than a quarter of the £5 billion for supporting the hardest to reach the countries …
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Government Response Summary
The government confirms the £1.2 billion allocation for gigabit-capable broadband and the 85% coverage target by 2025. It reiterates its commitment to the full £5 billion investment and will continue to work with industry to accelerate rollout towards 100% coverage, but does not provide a new date for 100% coverage or increased immediate funding.
HM Treasury
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