Decision details

Purpose of Report: This report describes the eight innovative projects to be taken forward under the Super-Connected Cities (SCC) programme, highlights progress and the proposed governance arrangements.

Members are asked to: (i)    Agree that a Digital York Strategy should be put in place overseen by a Digital York Board and guide the which should also steer the  York Super-Connected Cities Programme.

(ii)      Agree that the Council contribute £869,000 towards the Super-Connected Cities programme from  the Economic Infrastructure Fund, and that the approval should be considered as part of the next Cabinet progress report on the Economic Infrastructure Fund.

RESOLVED:       That Cabinet agree to:

i)             The Council contributing £869, 000 towards the £4.849m Super-Connected Cities programme, and that this cost be allocated to the Economic Infrastructure Fund. 

ii)            A Digital York Project Board being put in place with the Chief Executive delegated authority to agree its membership and terms of reference.  The Digital York Board to oversee and guide the York Super-Connected Cities Programme.

iii)          A priority for the Board being to prepare a Digital York Strategy and Delivery Plan.

REASON:           York’s Super-Connected City (SCC) proposals are designed to complement and build on existing digital initiatives underway or planned, to support the need of enhancing York’s digital connectivity. This was recognised in the 2011 Council Plan target of helping to establish a digital infrastructure within the City to provide speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbits) for the majority of York’s business and residents by the end of 2015 and was in line with the national BDUK targets.