Decision details

With the increased use of digital technology in our society there is a requirement to establish the network infrastructure is fit for purpose ensuring that, as a District, we are not digitally disadvantaged. Initially this work began with the Gigabit project in conjunction with West Sussex County Council (WSCC); this proposal is to further extend this full fibre network to a further 100 public sector assets within the Bognor Regis and Littlehampton areas.

Increasing the amount of gigabit capable fibre within the District will enable it to be future-ready, ensuring that it is not left behind. Signalling our commitment to full fibre is an ambition for Arun and the wider county also increasing the possibility of accelerating the investment from commercial organisations to lead to a roll-out of fibre to the premise. This would enable homes and businesses to realise the benefits of ultra-fast connectivity.

It is intended to fully fund this offer from the West Sussex Business Rate Pilot for 2019/20, approval for this is via the West Sussex Leaders’ Board meeting and the decision has now been postponed until their meeting in January 2020. However, this offer is only available until the end of December 2019, therefore requiring the costs to be initially underwritten by the Council whilst we gain approval for the external funding after the contracts have been signed.

The Cabinet

RESOLVED – That

1.    an agreement be entered into with CityFibre for an extension of the Council’s full fibre connectivity using the West Sussex County Council’s framework based on the seven year revenue model offer;

2.    authority be delegated to the Group Head of Corporate Support, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Technical Services, for final approval of sites and contract detail; and

3.    the cost of the contract be underwritten whilst funding approval be sought to meet these costs from the Business Rates Pilot for 2019/20, these costs will be up to a maximum of £1,486,000 over a seven year period starting no earlier than September 2021.