Government announces support for rural communities

The government has announced that 100,000 homes and businesses in rural parts of the UK will be further supported to access improved broadband connections.

Thérèse Coffey, secretary of state for rural affairs announced the plans on Monday.

Consultations have been published which outline plans to review and update the broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO) which gives homeowners and businesses the legal right to request an affordable, decent broadband connection, and to develop and assess future policy to improve broadband connectivity for Very Hard to Reach Premises.

Coffey also set out plans to level up rural communities by unlocking new homes in rural areas and investing in new technology to improve local transport links.

The ‘Future of Transport: Helping local authorities to unlock the benefits of technology and innovation in rural transport’ aims to support local authorities, transport planners, bus operators and transport companies explore how emerging technologies could be deployed in non-urban areas.

Plans announced by Coffey include: a consultation on reviewing and updating the Broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO) which already gives homeowners and businesses the legal right to request an affordable, decent broadband connection and a  consultation on further proposals to improve broadband provision for Very Hard to Reach Premises, which are unlikely to receive a gigabit-capable connection via either a commercial or government funded intervention.

A statement from Homes England has been published, which sets out its work to support rural communities and families by enabling the delivery of more good quality, affordable homes.

Coffey said: “Our countryside, home to millions of people, is rich in potential and we want to make sure that everyone can develop their skills and reach the opportunities for success.

“So whether through improved connectivity, housing or transport I’m championing rural communities as we seek to grow our economy – so that every part of our country gets the support it needs to thrive.”

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