Agenda item

(i)         Joint Report of the Assistant Chief Executive and Corporate Director Resources.

(ii)        Presentation by Phil Jackman, Head of ICT Services, Resources.

The Chair introduced the Head of ICT Services, Phil Jackman to give an update presentation in relation to the Digital Durham Programme (for copy, see file of minutes).

Members were reminded of the background to the scheme, notably the
economic benefits of having access to superfast broadband, as well as benefits to health, learning and competitiveness ensuring that no communities, homes or businesses within the County would be left out of the “knowledge economy”.  An example given to Members was that of around 70,000 pupils within County Durham accessing learning via the internet “Durham Gateway” and that statistics could show that those with access to broadband had on average 25% better qualifications, increasing their opportunities for the future.

The Committee learned that there was a need to also develop ICT skills even to simply access the job market as around 50% of jobs vacancies were now only advertised and available for application online.  The Head of ICT Services added that the term “superfast broadband” meant speeds of 25-30 Mbits/sec enabling 3 high-activity uses at once, for example business use, streaming of High Definition video content and gaming use.  Members were given an analogy of a train network to understand the infrastructure required, the services offered/needed and the people/users of the services.

The Head of ICT Services explained that 21% of County Durham currently had access to superfast broadband, with 44% to having the opportunity to access superfast broadband.  If no further action were taken, it was explained that access would level out at around 65% with Government having an aspiration of 90% access.  Members noted that the DCC aspiration was for 100% access as the “final 10%” represented 50,000 people in real terms for County Durham. 

Members were shown maps that showed the extent of superfast broadband, the relative speeds in different areas and those areas that could not access such services.  The Head of ICT Services explained that new telephone exchanges at Peterlee, Stanley and Consett had helped to extend access, however there were still access issues in the more rural areas.

In relation to engagement, it was noted that there had been opportunities at events such as the NECC “Oktoberfest” at Newton Aycliffe, with opportunities such as the new Hitachi site as well as engagement with public sector partners such as the Primary Care Trust, the Fire and Rescue Service and Police.  The Head of ICT Services added that Community and Voluntary Sector (CVS) organisations had also been engaged and that regular updates on the Digital Durham Project were given to both Durham Councillors, MPs and at a local level via the AAPs and “Broadband Champions”.

Members were asked to note an example whereby a Local Action Group had raised the issue of lack of access to broadband in their area, Byers Green, Spennymoor and then organised a petition and worked with DCC and British Telecom (BT) in order to secure a positive outcome with BT to provide infrastructure to give access to broadband in that area.

The Committee noted the several points relating to how access to superfast broadband could affect businesses and highlighted the opportunities that could be developed.

The Head of ICT Services explained the work with BDUK, part of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in relation to improving access to superfast broadband and DCC Cabinet had agreed on 14 December 2011 to match fund with BDUK on schemes and there was a need to highlight that access was not a “rural” issue but in fact a economic regeneration and deprivation issue.  Councillor learned that the indicative figure of funding from BDUK was £7.79 Million, about one-quarter of what is estimated to be required to give the 100% access DCC aspires to, with match funding in place this equates to around half of the funding required.  Accordingly, the Head of ICT Services explained that in the pre-procurement exercise there was a need to gauge market interest and to shape any final tender accordingly with the third bid to BDUK to be submitted shortly.

The Chair thanked the Head of ICT Services and asked Members for their questions. 

Mr T Batson noted the issue of trying to help the “older generation” to develop the requisite skills to be able to utilise superfast broadband where they do have access and asked whether “mobile broadband” was a solution for the most rural areas in the County.  The Head of ICT Services agreed that skills development and confidence build was important and that this was addressed through local “Broadband Champions”, organisations such as AGE UK and that mobile broadband was one part of the mix and DCC was working with mobile providers.

Councillor B Graham noted the example of the Byers Green Residents and how they had positively engaged at a Spennymoor AAP event and had carried out a lot of hard work in order to have success with BT making the case for their area.  Councillor B Graham also acknowledged the work of the Head of ICT Services and DCC in this particular success.

Mrs O Brown noted that in her previous role as a District Councillor she had needed to learn how to use a computer to access information and explained that it was of much benefit in both work and private life to have access to the internet and the skills to use it.  The Head of ICT Services agreed and noted that elected Members were excellent role models to the groups they represented.  Councillor J Cordon noted that Councillors, in general, were a good example of “silver surfers” demonstrating that older generations can learn to utilise new technology.

Mr A Kitching noted that broadband provided were still guilty of advertising “aspirational speeds” rather than a realistic average for people in a particular area.  The Head of ICT Services explained that the existing copper infrastructure was the limiting factor, with maximum speeds only being achievable near to exchanges, with speeds halving beyond 1km from the exchange.  Members noted that the move to fibre-optic infrastructure would help to improve speeds and the consistency of delivery.

Resolved:    

(i)         That the report and presentation be noted.

(ii)        That a further update is provided to the Committee at its July meeting.