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“Access to fast and reliable digital connectivity is no longer a luxury, but a necessity, and councils have been a key player in the roll-out to the hardest to reach areas in the last five years."

"These pilot schemes are a positive recognition of this and could potentially be extended across the country. It is now vital that mobile network operators and the Government work with local authorities to deliver this programme."

“Tackling the digital divide will be important to levelling up in every community, ensuring everyone has the connectivity they need to thrive. We remain committed to working with government to help design an approach to roll out that will benefit from councils’ local expertise.”

"Councils have a vital role to play helping to improve local communities’ connectivity. During the pandemic, communities have been reliant on having a fast and reliable broadband connection to support home working, access to services and to keep friends and family in touch."

The Local Government Association (LGA) has announced the nine successful councils in its new Digital Pathfinders Programme. 75 councils in England were shortlisted through a competitive bidding process. 

Councils have called on the Government to provide urgent clarity on the future of the Community Renewal Fund, after announcements of successful projects have been delayed.

The Local Government Association (LGA) has launched its Digital Pathfinders Programme to help councils innovate and pioneer projects to advance digital inclusion, digital connectivity, and cyber security.

"This funding is positive and will help to support the revitalisation of our high streets as part of our national recovery from COVID-19."

"The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that access to a good quality, affordable broadband connection is vital for our communities and it is very concerning that people are priced out of this. We continue to call for a ‘social tariff’ to ensure a basic service is available at an affordable price to those most in need."

"Councils are committed to working closely with the Government to help deliver on its nationwide gigabit-broadband and mobile coverage ambitions."