The Joint Overview and Scrutiny Committee for Hosted Services was scheduled to meet to discuss the Cumbria Digital Infrastructure Strategy, the programme of proposed disaggregation of hosted services, and the committee's work programme.

Here's a breakdown of the key items on the agenda:

Cumbria Digital Infrastructure Strategy 2026-2030

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the development of the Cumbria Digital Infrastructure Strategy 2026-2030, which is intended to replace the current strategy that expires on 31 December 2025. The draft strategy was expected to be considered by the Joint Executive Committee (JEC) in November 2025.

The report before the committee noted that the delivery of the Cumbria Digital Infrastructure Strategy 2020-2025 had a significant impact on improving digital infrastructure across Cumbria. However, without further intervention, it was expected that:

Gigabit broadband services will only reach up to circa 97% of properties in the county leaving over 9,000 properties without futureproof services and with many of these properties unable to access basic broadband services through fixed line technology.

The draft DIS 2026 was developed around three strategic objectives:

• Cumbria to catch up with and keep in step with UK levels of connectivity with no one and no place left behind, supporting resilient connectivity for people while at home, at work or on the move.
• Connectivity to support the delivery of innovative, inclusive and effective services across all departments of both Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council, creating the conditions for greater use of smart services and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• Deliver the connectivity to enhance business productivity, encouraging investment into the county, and to allow Cumbria to secure and retain globally excellent digital activity into the future.

The DIS 2026 is focused on infrastructure but will support the work of other services and programmes to encourage expanded digital connectivity and digital inclusion. The DIS 2026 will specifically support, but not lead, delivery of Cumbria programmes on AI, data centres, digital customer services and inclusion.

The proposed action plan activities, which will each be subject to individual business case and further governance, are split into four themes:

• Making Cumbria's Voice Heard
• Supporting and Monitoring Investment
• Delivery of Intervention
• Research and Futureproofing

The strategy will use key performance indicators to show progress, including:

• Percentage of properties able to access Gigabit capable (1,000 Mbps) broadband services
• Percentage of properties able to access 30Mbps (superfast) broadband services
• Percentage of properties unable to access services of at least 10Mbps (basic broadband)
• 4G Mobile coverage % outdoor geographic coverage by all MNOs of the Cumbria landmass
• 5G Mobile coverage % outdoor geographic coverage by all MNOs of the Cumbria landmass.

The committee was asked to provide feedback on the draft strategy.

Programme of Proposed Disaggregation

The committee was scheduled to receive an update regarding progress against the proposed disaggregation programme for hosted services in Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council. Under the Inter Authority Agreement (IAA) entered by Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council to govern the provision of hosted services, the Joint Executive Committee is responsible for the oversight and management of the hosted services including the development and implementation of disaggregation plans.

The report included an update on services successfully disaggregated to date, and those due to disaggregate. The committee was asked to consider the update on progress of the disaggregation of hosted services provided in the report, refer any proposed amendments to the disaggregation programme to the Joint Executive Committee for consideration, and note the updates on performance and assurance arrangements for services that have either been disaggregated or where long-term hosting arrangements have been established.

Committee Update and Work Programme

The committee was scheduled to consider a report from the Strategic Policy and Scrutiny Advisor, Rose Blaney, providing an overview of matters related to the committee's work, including a review of progress on actions from previous meetings, and a review of the work programme.