Decision details

(1)        That the content of the Digital Enterprise Programme brief be agreed and the cross-border, cross-sector collaborative approach be endorsed;

(2)        That the use of the External Partnership Fund up to a maximum of £25,000 to make an additional contribution by the Council as determined by the level of funding secured from partners to commission a co-funded digital strategy for the wider West Essex / East Herts area or Digital Innovation Zone be agreed;

(3)        That the proposal to allocate up to £45,000 from the Epping Forest Economic Opportunities Fund towards the examination of options for the provision of free town centre wi-fi in one, some or all of the District’s town centres, and, subject to consultation recommendations, the procurement of the most appropriate model and service provider be agreed;

(4)        That any additional investment required be subject to a further report to Cabinet;

(5)        That the expression of interest in further investment in the superfast broadband network sent by letter from the Portfolio Holder for Technology and Support Services to BDUK / Essex CC be endorsed; and

(6)        That, subject to the success of the grant application to BDUK, a further report to Cabinet be submitted seeking agreement to invest further in the local superfast broadband programme and, if agreed, to submit a bid for funding as part of the 2018/19 budget setting process.