WIREDGOV

Funding available for councils as part of LGA’s digital connectivity programme.

On 12 October 202, Local Government Association (LGA) launched the inaugural digital connectivity programme which invites councils to apply for funding for projects to leverage their position as place shapers to develop capacity and understanding to improve local and regional connectivity.

The LGA’s Digital Connectivity programme will see several councils chosen to receive £20,000 to better meet the needs of their residents, improve productivity and their livelihoods through connectivity innovation. The programme is part of the LGA’s sector-led improvement offer which provides robust peer challenges and support to help councils improve performance, become more efficient and share good practice.

English councils can apply for funding here and bids involving councils working in partnership are encouraged. The closing date is 12 November 2020.

Cllr Peter Fleming, Chairman of the LGA’s Improvement and Innovation Board, yesterday said:

“Councils are best placed to help their communities get through the coronavirus pandemic.

“The Digital Connectivity programme, which is part of our sector-led improvement offer, is helping all councils to provide vital services for residents who don’t have access or confidence to use digital platforms.

“As COVID-19 is causing more families to work and educate from home, it is more important than ever that all households have access to good, reliable broadband.”