Project Gigabit Chester South and Eddisbury 2024-10-16
2024-10-16
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Ofcom reports indicate that nearly half of the wards in her constituency are among the worst 30% of areas for broadband connectivity. There are concerns about funds potentially being diverted from rural to urban areas during Project Gigabit's review.
My constituents will be deeply concerned by reports that the current review of the next stage of Project Gigabit could see funds diverted from hard-to-reach rural areas such as Chester South and Eddisbury to major cities. Will the Minister offer a concrete guarantee that no rural community will be left behind?
I do not see it as a divide between rural and urban, because there are urban issues as well as rural issues. The hon. Lady is absolutely right that the previous Government failed to deliver in her constituency, and we intend to put that right. She should not believe everything she reads in the newspapers.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for a concrete guarantee was not addressed.
She Should Not Believe Everything She Reads In The Newspapers
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Ofcom reports indicate that nearly half of the wards in her constituency are among the worst 30% of areas for broadband connectivity. There are concerns about funds potentially being diverted from rural to urban areas during Project Gigabit's review.
Will the Minister offer a concrete guarantee that no rural community will be left behind by the Government's review?
I am happy to arrange the same kind of meeting with my hon. Friend as I offered to the hon. Member for Chester South and Eddisbury (Aphra Brandreth). He is right that there are very significant problems in south Wales valleys communities, and we need to put those right.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask for a concrete guarantee was not addressed.
I Am Happy To Arrange The Same Kind Of Meeting With My Hon. Friend
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a need for improved connectivity in the south Wales valleys to support economic growth. However, getting definitive information on Project Gigabit's progress has been difficult.
The Minister knows that improved connectivity is important to the economy of our south Wales valleys communities. Will he look into this so my constituents in Trefil and across Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney know when their broadband service will improve?
I am happy to arrange the same kind of meeting with my hon. Friend as I offered to the hon. Member for Chester South and Eddisbury (Aphra Brandreth). He is right that there are very significant problems in south Wales valleys communities, and we need to put those right.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about investigating Project Gigabit's roll-out timeline was not addressed.
I Am Happy To Arrange The Same Kind Of Meeting With My Hon. Friend
Response accuracy