To approve capital investment to establish a
proposed district-wide 33km local full fibre network, including all
necessary supporting infrastructure and facilities, following
consideration of the business case and operational arrangements
included in the report. As the proposal is an in-year change to the
council’s approved capital programme, falling outside of the
Budget and Policy Framework, approval is sought to refer the
decision to Council.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Financial and Community Impact;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 26/09/2022
Anticipated restriction: Fully exempt - View reasons
Explanation of anticipated restriction:
This report is exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3, of Schedule 12a of the Local Government Act 1972 and consideration of commercially sensitive information.
Decision due: 25 October 2022 by Cabinet
Lead member: Cabinet Member with particular responsibility for Regeneration, Skills and Digital Innovation
Lead director: Chief Financial Officer (Head of Finance & Section 151 Officer)
Contact: Joe Edmondson Email: jedmondson@lancaster.gov.uk.
Consultation process
The proposal business case has been considered
and approved to go forward by the council's Capital Assurance
Group. Delivering a local full fibre network is a key aim of the
council's Lancaster District Digital Strategy which was subject to
stakeholder consultation.
Consultees
A significant number of stakeholders were
consulted as part of the Digital Strategy. Key stakeholders
included the local universities, health and local digital
businesses.
Are there any climate change implications?: Full fibre connectivity is a key enabler for: continuing the successful adoption of remote working methods leading to a reduction in carbon emissions; the potential for low-carbon business growth in digital industries; and lower energy-use and resilient communications networks.