Agenda item

(i)           That the progress on the Digital Infrastructure project as part of the Newcastle Town Deal, be noted;

(ii)          That the Deputy Chief Executive in conjunction with the Portfolio Holders for Finance, Town Centres & Growth and One Council, People & Partnerships, be authorised to progress the Digital Infrastructure project to the next steps of procuring a partner to deliver a fibre network within the Newcastle Town Deal area;

(iii)         That the Deputy Chief Executive in conjunction with the Portfolio Holders for Finance, Town Centres & Growth and One Council, People & Partnerships, be authorised to examine the invest to save potential of connecting key Borough Council sites to the fibre network to release the full benefit from this investment;

(iv)         That a further report on the digital inclusion element of the project be considered by a future meeting of Cabinet.

The Leader introduced a report giving update on progress made with the Newcastle Town Deal Digital Infrastructure Project.  The rollout was going at pace and the report outlined the process for bringing it about.  There would be a series of digital hubs around the Borough, hopefully based around community centres.

The Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Heritage stated that having the discussions with community centres was currently being looked at and the capacity to facilitate the project.

Resolved:     (i)         That the progress on the Digital Infrastructure project as

part of the Newcastle Town Deal, be noted;

(ii)          That the Deputy Chief Executive in conjunction with the Portfolio Holders for Finance, Town Centres & Growth and One Council, People & Partnerships, be authorised to progress the Digital Infrastructure project to the next steps of procuring a partner to deliver a fibre network within the Newcastle Town Deal area;

(iii)         That the Deputy Chief Executive in conjunction with the Portfolio Holders for Finance, Town Centres & Growth and One Council, People & Partnerships, be authorised to examine the invest to save potential of connecting key Borough Council sites to the fibre network to release the full benefit from this investment;

(iv)         That a further report on the digital inclusion element of the

project be considered by a future meeting of Cabinet.

Watch the debate here