Purpose

The Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) are
offering grant funding to Bristol City Council, to support the
delivery the needs of the Regional Digital Office through the
utilisation of BCC expertise and capability (existing resource
within the City Management and Response Service).
The MCA led Regional Digital Office was set up to achieve the
shared regional Digital Infrastructure Strategic Objectives, set
out in the West Of England Digital Plan and working with the
Unitary Authorities. The scheme aims to deliver better connectivity
by creating optimal conditions for digital infrastructure
deployment and investment across our region. This will improve
critical infrastructure and enable innovative service delivery
transformation.
Through delivering better connectivity for residents and local
businesses, this work will deliver the following outcomes (as per
the West of England Digital Plan):
•Improved quality connectivity which will enable
transformations in statutory service delivery.
•Improved quality of life through access to digital products
and services addressing digital inclusion.
•Improved access to good quality jobs and training.
•More world-class businesses, inward investment, and higher
growth so our region is an amazing place to live and work.
A resourced Regional Digital Office and prototype service has been
set up, tailored to delivering regional connectivity improvement
projects that, in the first instance, focus on ensuring the
roll-out of digital infrastructure in the region is easier,
cheaper, and faster for all involved. The Digital Office will
operate as a shared service, providing flexibility and ensuring
there is resource and materials to assist councils with
mobile/broadband providers.

Content

The MCA CLT, the Metro Mayor and UA CEOs have
previously endorsed the recommendation to establish a regional
coordination function (i.e. Digital Office) to enable us to jointly
drive broadband improvements (CLT Nov 2022, Mayor, Nov 2022, CEOs
Digital Plan Feb, then May 2023).
To be noted:
•There is support for regional coordination/collaboration to
improve broadband. All consider this essential to improving digital
inclusion.
•Available resource/capacity to support broadband roll-out is
minimal. Coordination (e.g. via a centralised coordination body)
would provide additionality to the Councils.
In March 2024, the MCA Committee approved a £2.519m Digital
Office Pilot scheme and delegated the approval of the detailed
scope of work and ongoing oversight to the West of England Mayoral
Combined Authority’s Strategic Director of Economy and Skills
in consultation with Unitary Authority Economy and Skills
Directors.
Following this, the West of England Mayoral Combined
Authority’s Strategic Director of Economy