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£3 million investment to boost digital inclusion, innovation and connectivity across Gloucestershire

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Gloucestershire County Council has approved a major investment programme to help more people get online, drive business innovation, improve cyber resilience, and maximise the benefits of Gloucestershire's digital infrastructure.
Person Using A Laptop

Cabinet has approved more than £3 million of funding to move the county's Digital Infrastructure, Inclusion and Innovation Strategy into delivery, supporting projects through to March 2028 and laying the foundations for continued investment to 2030, subject to future approvals.

The investment will help residents, communities and businesses benefit from digital technology, tackle digital exclusion, support economic growth and ensure Gloucestershire builds on the success of previous digital investments.

The programme will focus on three key areas

  • Digital Infrastructure – building on the success of the Fastershire programme by working with government, broadband and mobile providers to encourage further investment in Gloucestershire's digital networks. The programme will research and map remaining connectivity challenges across the county, helping to make the case for further investment where it can unlock growth, support local communities and maximise the value of Gloucestershire's digital infrastructure.
  • Digital Innovation - supporting businesses to adopt new technologies, strengthen cyber resilience and make the most of opportunities created by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. The programme will be delivered in partnership with organisations including Gloucestershire's Growth Hubs, CyNam, education providers and private sector partners.
  • Digital Inclusion – helping more residents get online through access to devices, connectivity, digital skills and tailored support delivered through a new countywide Digital Inclusion Service. As a vital part of the strategy, the service is being procured to provide long-term support for residents and communities, with delivery planned through to 2030.

The investment is largely funded by returned subsidy to Gloucestershire County Council following high take-up in areas delivered by the successful Fastershire broadband programme. The funding is now being reinvested to help people, communities and businesses benefit from digital technology.

The delivery plan will run throughout 2027/28 and progress will be regularly reviewed to ensure the investment delivers benefits for residents, communities and businesses across Gloucestershire.

Funding remains available for future phases of delivery, subject to further approval, enabling the wider programme to continue through to 2030. The new countywide Digital Inclusion Service has already been approved to run until 2030, providing sustained support for residents and communities most at risk of digital exclusion.

Cllr Julian Tooke, Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure, said: "This investment will help ensure that residents, communities and businesses across Gloucestershire can benefit from the opportunities created by digital technology.

"It will support people to develop the digital skills and confidence they need, help businesses embrace innovation and strengthen cyber resilience, and ensure we continue to make the most of the county's digital infrastructure.

"By investing in digital inclusion, innovation and connectivity, we are helping to build a stronger, more connected and more prosperous Gloucestershire."