New Digital Committee gets the green light

Norfolk County Council councillors have given the green light for the creation of a new Digital Innovation and Efficiency Committee.

The committee will lead the council’s work to build a solid digital infrastructure for the county that will serve the area’s growing technology industry, as well as local businesses and residents.

The committee will be responsible for a number of key areas including: better broadband for Norfolk and its ambition to drive access to super fast broadband for at least 95 per cent of residents by 2020; Norfolk County Council’s use of technology to deliver better 24/7 online personalised services; and championing Norfolk’s ambition to accelerate digital and mobile connectivity and lobby government and the telecoms industry to maximise new opportunities such as 5G wireless technology.

Tom Garrod, chairman of the Digital Committee, said: “As we continue to evolve the way we provide services to Norfolk residents, digital is becoming increasingly important. It’s vital that we integrate digital solutions where possible to make services more personalised and efficient.

“We must provide better digital infrastructure across the length and breadth of Norfolk. This means working for the benefit of local businesses and individuals that rely on the internet and mobile for their day-to-day business, which enables the Norfolk economy to grow.

“The new Digital Innovation and Efficiency Committee will not only help drive forward the solutions that will ultimately be the catalyst to the county’s long term economic success, but also transform the way that our residents access services, making them more personalised and convenient.

“I personally have a keen interest in digital innovation and I am committed to putting this Council at the heart of driving better access to digital opportunities for the people of Norfolk.”