Issue - meetings

This report sets out the case for £5.87m* of ‘Futures Fund’ investment in a 70.5km long core gigabit-fibre network in order to deliver operational savings for the Council. In particular these cost savings relate to the Wide Area Network (WAN) and the delivery of ‘Smart’ technology solutions.

[*This includes £200k approved through a Member Decision Notice to enable ducting to be installed as soon as possible as part of ongoing Transforming Travel programme works]

An investment analysis has indicated that with the support of the already budgeted Futures Fund, additional net savings would be delivered to the Council, with a breakeven point from Year 6 (2026/27) based on prevailing interest rates.

In addition to providing cost savings to the Council, the installation of this fibre network supports the Council’s Transformation and Smart Place programmes and also has the potential for supporting BCP Council’s ‘Big Plan’.

An estimated 30km of the ducting and fibre can be installed during the course of the Transforming Travel construction programme. Utilising ‘open’ excavations will reduce the cost of installation of ducting by approximately 40%.

The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute

Cabinet was advised that the report set out the case for £5.87m* of ‘Futures Fund’ investment in a 70.5km long core gigabit-fibre network in order to deliver operational savings for the Council. In particular these cost savings relate to the Wide Area Network (WAN) and the delivery of ‘Smart’ technology solutions.

[*This includes £200k approved through a Member Decision Notice to enable ducting to be installed as soon as possible as part of ongoing Transforming Travel programme works]

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that an investment analysis has indicated that with the support of the already budgeted Futures Fund, additional net savings would be delivered to the Council, with a breakeven point from Year 6 (2026/27) based on prevailing interest rates. In addition to providing cost savings to the Council, the installation of this fibre network supports the Council’s Transformation and Smart Place programmes and also has the potential for supporting BCP Council’s ‘Big Plan’.

Cabinet was advised that an estimated 30km of the ducting and fibre can be installed during the course of the Transforming Travel construction programme, and that utilising ‘open’ excavations will reduce the cost of installation of ducting by approximately 40%.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that at their recent meeting the Board had accepted the general value of the scheme but questioned whether this should be carried out by the Council or whether this should be left to those within the industry to put the infrastructure in place, in addition it was advised that the Board had a lack of confidence about the programme but understood that it was required.

Cllr Hadley addressed the Cabinet expressing concern that the scheme already felt dated and that further technologies were available.

RECOMMENDED that: -

(a)    Council be asked to approve the £5.87m Smart Places Gigabit Fibre scheme; and

(b)   Council note that the funding for the Smart Places Gigabit Fibre scheme will be from drawing down £5.87m of the £50m Futures Fund approved by Council as part of the 2021/22 Budget and associated Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) of the Council.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning

The Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'D' to these Minutes in the Minute

Cabinet was advised that the report set out the case for £5.87m* of ‘Futures Fund’ investment in a 70.5km long core gigabit-fibre network in order to deliver operational savings for the Council. In particular these cost savings relate to the Wide Area Network (WAN) and the delivery of ‘Smart’ technology solutions.

[*This includes £200k approved through a Member Decision Notice to enable ducting to be installed as soon as possible as part of ongoing Transforming Travel programme works]

In relation to this Cabinet was informed that an investment analysis has indicated that with the support of the already budgeted Futures Fund, additional net savings would be delivered to the Council, with a breakeven point from Year 6 (2026/27) based on prevailing interest rates. In addition to providing cost savings to the Council, the installation of this fibre network supports the Council’s Transformation and Smart Place programmes and also has the potential for supporting BCP Council’s ‘Big Plan’.

Cabinet was advised that an estimated 30km of the ducting and fibre can be installed during the course of the Transforming Travel construction programme, and that utilising ‘open’ excavations will reduce the cost of installation of ducting by approximately 40%.

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed the Cabinet advising that at their recent meeting the Board had accepted the general value of the scheme but questioned whether this should be carried out by the Council or whether this should be left to those within the industry to put the infrastructure in place, in addition it was advised that the Board had a lack of confidence about the programme but understood that it was required.

Cllr Hadley addressed the Cabinet expressing concern that the scheme already felt dated and that further technologies were available.

RECOMMENDED that: -

(a)    Council be asked to approve the £5.87m Smart Places Gigabit Fibre scheme; and

(b)   Council note that the funding for the Smart Places Gigabit Fibre scheme will be from drawing down £5.87m of the £50m Futures Fund approved by Council as part of the 2021/22 Budget and associated Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) of the Council.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning