Home > [an error occurred while processing this directive]

Local MPs seek broadband boost for City

By James Ledward
Jan 13, 2012 - 10:14:21 AM
News Feed
Printer friendly page
Bookmark and Share
WEB.378.Kirby-and-W_4.jpg
Simon Kirby, MP & Mike Weatherley, MP

Both local Conservative MPs have written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport to request that Brighton and Hove be included in a list of cities eligible to compete for a share of £100 million from the Department for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport’s 'urban broadband fund'.

London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff have already qualified to receive ultra fast broadband with 10 Kirby other cities competing for funding. 

Currently Brighton and Hove is not eligible as the population is smaller than the level of 150,000 dwellings specified by the Department.

Simon Kirby, MP for Kemptown & Peacehaven, said:
“Whilst I acknowledge Brighton does not meet the qualifying criteria, even faster broadband would be a boost to the City, particularly to digital industries in the area which contribute so much to the City.  I have therefore written to the Secretary of State regarding to press the city’s case and I join Mike Weatherley and Caroline Lucas in asking that Brighton and Hove be an exceptional bidder.”

He added:
“I have spoken to the Department about this issue and hope to discuss this matter with the Minister in the division lobby as soon as possible, where I will make strong representations on behalf of businesses and residents in my constituency.”

Mike Weatherley, MP for Hove & Portslade, said:
“I have brought Jeremy Hunt to Hove on a number of occasions and know that he is a big supporter of our city. I, and my local council colleagues, are making the case that there should be some flexibility in the bidding criteria as Brighton & Hove is quite unique in the number of media businesses that it has for its size.”


Can't find what you're looking for?
Take a look in the News archive.
Amsterdam