Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will hold discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential merits of increasing capital investment to ensure full broadband access to allow people to apply for (a) benefits and (b) jobs.

My department engages with colleagues across Government, including Cabinet Office, to discuss matters relating to how we improve connectivity for the whole of the UK.

Over 74% of UK premises can now access gigabit-capable broadband, up from 6% in January 2019. The competitive and pro-growth regulatory environment we have created has given investors the confidence to provide billions of pounds of investment to enable broadband suppliers to expand their networks across the UK. But we recognise that some parts of the country will not attract commercial investment and therefore we already have substantial capital investment programmes in place. Our £1 billion superfast programme has extended superfast broadband of at least 30 Mbps to over 97% of UK premises, and we are making excellent progress with Project Gigabit, the government’s £5 billion mission to deliver even faster, and more reliable broadband to rural and hard to reach parts of the UK.

My department has negotiated a range of high-quality, low-cost fixed broadband and mobile social tariffs for households in receipt of Universal Credit and other means tested benefits for as little as £10 per month. These offers are available in 99% of the UK.

Support is also available for those seeking employment. Jobcentre Plus work coaches can provide free broadband connections for 6 months to eligible claimants who are not online. This is administered by the DWP’s Flexible Support Fund.