Meeting documents

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Economic Development introduced Mr M Ballard of the Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) Superfast Broadband Extension Programme.  She reminded Members of the 3 points on page 17 of the Agenda papers which needed to be satisfied before SSDC committed to the Superfast Broadband Programme.

Mr M Ballard, Project Manager for the Connecting Devon and Somerset Superfast Broadband Extension Programme provided Members with a brief update on the progress of Phase 1 of the Superfast Broadband Programme and further confidential information on the roll out of Phase 2.   

During discussion, Members expressed concern that detailed information which they had expected to be provided on a postcode by postcode basis of the areas to benefit from superfast broadband in Phase 2 was still not forthcoming and it appeared would not be available until the final contract between BT and CDS had been signed.  Members felt it was important to have this information to be able to prove value for money to the residents of South Somerset.

Having clarified with the Programme Manager that deferring the decision would not jeopardise the project, it was proposed that the funding previously committed to the programme remain, but, the decision to commit to the programme be deferred to a future meeting of the District Executive following the completion of the on-going negotiations and the subsequent formal signing of contracts between British Telecom (BT) and Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) in order to receive additional detailed confidential information on the programme that could be provided once the contract had been signed.  This proposal was seconded, and, on being put to the vote, was carried unanimously.

(Voting: unanimous in favour)