Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance)

The report provides an update on Greater Manchester’s revised approach to delivering the GM Broadband Programme, with a particular focus on the roll-out of broadband infrastructure across Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan and the requirement to approve match funds in order to secure ERDF and BDUK investment.

(Note: this report contains information ‘not for publication’ contained in its appendices that have been circulated to executive councillors only)

The Executive is asked to:

·          Approve that Stockport Council will be the Lead Authority for this project as identified in this report.

·          Agree to fund £312,500 as an equal contribution to the Match Funding, subject to the other 7 AGMA authorities agreeing to contribute identical amounts and subject to obtaining external funding.

·          To delegate to the Council Solicitor the ability to enter into any relevant legal agreements and make any necessary decisions to implement the scheme as identified in the report.

Officer contact: Barry Khan, 0161 474 3202, barry.khan@stockport.gov.uk

The Leader of the Council (Policy, Reform & Finance) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) updating the Executive Meeting on the revised approach in Greater Manchester to delivering the GM Broadband Programme, with a particular focus on the roll-out of superfast broadband infrastructure, and informing them of the requirements for the Council to approve match funding with other GM authorities to secure the European Regional Development Fund and Broadband Delivery UK investment.

(Note: the report included information ‘not for publication’ that was included in the appendix that was circulated to executive councillors only)

RESOLVED – That approval be given to

·               Stockport Council being the Lead Authority for the broadband infrastructure project as identified in the report;

·               the provision of £312,500 as an equal contribution to the Match Funding of the project, subject to the other 7 AGMA authorities agreeing to contribute identical amounts and subject to obtaining external funding;

·               the delegation to the Council Solicitor the ability to enter into any relevant legal agreements and make any necessary decisions to implement the scheme as identified in the report.