Shrewsbury MP success in pressing European Commission on broadband funding
After working alongside Shropshire Council and Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK), Shrewsbury’s MP welcomed the much awaited decision from the European Commission to grant the Government’s £500 million upgrade of Britain’s broadband state aid approval.
The decision now means the Government through BDUK can now match fund the £8.2 million Shropshire Council has pledged to spend on bringing superfast broadband to all of Shropshire. The decision for the European Commission to allow this funding to be given was being pressed for earlier this year by Shrewsbury’s MP Daniel Kawczynski.
In August, Daniel asked written questions in Parliament to the Government Minister, asking him when the decision was expected and has lobbied the Government to press the Commission to speed up their announcement.
Daniel said ‘There remain vast areas of my constituency, especially in rural areas, that have very poor or no broadband service. When the process of allocating funds hit a slow down with the European Commission, I am pleased that after my parliamentary question, clearance was given and the UK Government can proceed allocating this much needed funding.
I will continue to work alongside Shropshire Council in their work to bring superfast broadband to all my constituents and I am pleased the Government share this aim and are providing funding for it.’
The Secretary of State for Culture, the Rt Hon Maria Miller MP stated ‘Finally getting the green light from Brussels will mean a huge boost for the British economy.
Superfast broadband is essential to creating growth, jobs and prosperity and the delay has caused frustration within Government. Today’s announcement means that we can crack on with delivering broadband plans, boosting growth and jobs around the country.’
