Local government entities are under serious financial pressure, and procurement is tasked with helping to reduce spend.
Libraries set to receive £2.6 million to provide free Wi-Fi
According to Arts Council England, libraries have been promised £2.6 million in funding in a bid to provide better Wi-Fi to users.
The Arts Councils announced that a total of 68 local authorities will receive £2,646,078 to provide and enhance free Wi-Fi to library users in over 1,000 libraries. The programme is part of a plan to certify that over 98 per cent of public libraries have easily accessible Wi-Fi by March 2016.
Culture Minister, Ed Vaizey, described the initiative as ‘a vital step to ensuring that all public libraries can provide Wi-Fi access to their communities'.
He said: “As more services become available online, this will increasingly make libraries the place to go for people who don't have the access or the confidence to use digital services.”
The increased funding will enable libraries to extend their services and tackle digital exclusion by making it easier for people to develop their digital skills.
The funding scheme is part of the Arts Cuoncil’s Wi-Fi in Public Libraries in England fund, which is being delivered on behalf of the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS).
Latest News
13/06/2025 - 11:42
A new online tool has been launched to help local authorities secure electric vehicle infrastructure investment.
13/06/2025 - 11:19
The government has confirmed a £500 million boost for hydrogen infrastructure, as part of the government’s plan to make the UK a clean energy superpower.
13/06/2025 - 10:52
The world’s first prototype fusion energy plant will receive £2.5 billion, as announced by the chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves.
12/06/2025 - 10:11
Although London Councils network praise the £39 billion boost for affordable housing, as well as additional investment for children’s social care and temporary accommodation, it expresses concern at the small increase to council funding.
12/06/2025 - 09:40
As part of her Spending Review, chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced investment into Welsh rails worth at least £445 million, as part of a
Event Diary
Free Tickets Available for the UK's Largest Environmental Services & Solutions Expo (ESS Expo)!
The inaugural Facilities & Estates Management Live takes place on 7th and 8th October 2025 at the Business Design Centre in London.
Following a period of remarkable growth and momentum, Safety, Health and Wellbeing Live is making a powerful move—relocating its southern edition to the iconic London Olympia on 18–19 June 2025.
Supplier Profiles
Welcome to Height Excellence, your trusted partner for comprehensive height work solutions, speci
At Words of World, we specialise in professional translation and interpreting, d
Latest Features
The British Franchise Association explains how franchising offers a supported route into self-employment, well suited to those with experience in public service
Raisa McNab, CEO of the Association of Translation Companies, explores how professional language provision underpins the UK's public services and drives global growth
