Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance, (copy enclosed).

Councillor Mrs P A Channer reminded Members of her earlier declaration of interest and left the chamber at this point.  At this point Councillor M F L Durham clarified that the pecuniary interest declared by Councillor Mrs Channer did not relate to him.

The Council considered the report of the Director of Strategy, Performance and Governance, providing an update on Superfast Broadband and the status of the outstanding deployment investment payment owed to Superfast Essex.

The report provided background information on Superfast Essex, the County’s broadband improvement programme, coordinated by Essex County Council (ECC) and the agreement for funding between the Council and ECC.  Appendix 1 to the report outlined the premises which would benefit specifically as a result of the Maldon District Council (MDC) funding agreed.  Members were reminded that in 2016 the Council had agreed to contribute £45,000 paid over three years of the duration of Phase 2a, as part of the Essex wide programme. 

Appendix 2 to the report provided an update, as of August 2019, on the current Superfast broadband service available.  Members were advised that longer term roll out figures were on track and likely to be surpassed.  Superfast Essex had advised that payment of the outstanding monies was now essential to allow the project to continue. 

The Leader of the Council proposed that the recommendation as set out in the report be agreed.  This proposal was duly seconded.

In response to a question regarding access to Superfast Broadband in a specific area in the District Members were reminded that Superfast Essex would cover 91% of the District and the projects website provided a facility where it was possible to check on the status of broadband to specific locations.

The Chairman put the proposal of the Leader of the Council and this was duly agreed.

RESOLVED that the £45,000 monies outstanding be paid to Superfast Essex as per the resolution of the Council at its Statutory Annual meeting in May 2016.

Councillor Mrs Channer returned to the chamber at this point.