Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that York will get a share of £50million funding to improve broadband connectivity right across the City. The news was announced as part of today’s Autumn Statement.

The funding is available as part of the coalition government’s vision for broadband in the UK, which aims to ensure the UK has the best broadband network in Europe by 2015.

York was invited to bid for the investment under Phase 2 of the government’s ‘Super-Connected Cities’ Programme. Phase 1 saw £100 million allocated to 10 larger cities including London, Bradford, and Leeds. A further scheme allocates £530 million to a rural broadband programme. The Super-Connected Cities Programme promises ultrafast fixed broadband access, and large areas of public wireless connectivity.

Cllr Carol Runciman, Leader of the Liberal Democrats on City of York Council, commented:
“This is a fantastic development for York. There is huge potential for ultrafast broadband and high speed wireless connectivity to drive economic development, help deliver public services and enhance education opportunities. Earlier this year we pushed the Council to seize this opportunity and submit a bid, I am delighted that they did so and today it has been successful.
“Currently Labour’s controversial Wi-Fi scheme only really focuses on the city-centre, but this funding will be good for the whole of York. With this scheme, the coalition government recognises that we should be improving access to ultrafast broadband and Wi-Fi for all our residents and businesses not just those that live in the very centre of cities.”
ENDS