Government urged to stick with rural Gigabit internet funding ahead of Budget
28th October 2024
Over 50 rural MPs are urging the government to confirm funding for rural Gigabit speed internet ahead of the Budget, amid reports of the money being redirected from the countryside.
A letter supported by the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) and written by former secretary of state for culture, media and sport Sir John Whittingdale MP has earned the backing of over 50 rural MPs, including 23 shadow ministers.
The letter calls on Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation, and Technology, to confirm £5 billion is still allocated to Project Gigabit.
Project Gigabit has been rolling out gigabit speed internet to rural areas, but funding is still required to close rural-urban divide, with 49% of rural homes having access to gigabit broadband compared to 85% in urban areas.
Sir John Whittingdale MP said: “Project Gigabit has played a key role in extending gigabit broadband to many more households and businesses in more remote rural areas. However, more still needs to be done to close the rural-urban divide and the government needs to confirm that the existing budget will be fully committed to achieving this.”
READ MORE: Farms and rural businesses will receive major internet speed upgrade
Unlocking the potential of rural communities
Limited connectivity in rural areas is identified as a significant barrier to rural productivity, with the rural economy 14% less productive than the English average. This disparity is costing around £40 billion to England’s gross value added.
The letter urges the government to confirm that the full allocation of £5 billion for Project Gigabit will be retained, what proportion of its funding has been allocated and how much of this has gone to rural areas, and if the fund is prioritising rural areas where commercial investment is not feasible.
The letter has been endorsed by MPs such as Sir Oliver Dowden, the shadow deputy prime minister, Stuart Andrew, the shadow chief whip and shadow secretaries of states, including Victoria Atkins, Kevin Hollinrake, John Lamont and Helen Whately.
Victoria Vyvyan, president of CLA added: “Like anywhere else in the UK, rural communities just want policies that match our aspirations. But we still have connectivity issues preventing businesses and homes from even operating in the 21st century.
“We need to unlock the potential of rural communities, for the good of our countryside, and our country as a whole. We have to support the growth of dynamic businesses, generating wealth and attracting the best talent.
“Uncertainty over long overdue Gigabit internet funding is the last thing we need.”
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