David Hume Institute David Hume Institute

Briefing paper: Levelling up high speed broadband

Life is now virtually impossible without high speed internet connection. This briefing paper looks at progress of the roll-out so far and what more can be done.

Read the briefing paper here.

Levelling up access to high speed broadband in Scotland is vital for rural communities currently left behind. Our new briefing paper looks at the roll-out so far and potential for faster progress on this vital infrastructure.

Internet connectivity has become essential for modern life and business is virtually impossible without it. It is critical for productivity and regional equality, and supports education as well as access to public services. 

Areas of rural Scotland yet to access high speed broadband are at risk of increasing outward migration accentuating the already ageing population.

The UK Government has stated its intention to deliver infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK. The two recent financial commitments from the UK Gigabit scheme partnering with the Scottish Government R100 scheme to extend the reach are welcome.

This paper looks at the physical provision of infrastructure not issues related to access as a result of poverty.

The Scottish and UK Governments must complete faster rollout to all rural communities as part of the levelling up agenda and to support economic recovery from Covid-19. 

Image credit: Sharing thumbnail image - photo by Compare Fibre free from Unsplash on 29.10.2021

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David Hume Institute David Hume Institute

Briefing paper: The Future Generations Act in Wales and beyond

In 2015 the Welsh Assembly Government passed the Well-being of Future Generations Act and appointed Sophie Howe as the first Future Generations Commissioner for Wales in 2016.

A cross party campaign has now been launched, led by Lord Bird, proposing a UK version of the Bill.

In 2015 the Welsh Assembly Government passed the Well-being of Future Generations Act and appointed Sophie Howe as the first Future Generations Commissioner for Wales in 2016.

The Commissioner is ‘the guardian of the interests of future generations in Wales’. Her remit is outlined in the 2015 Act and embedded in Welsh law. It aims to improve the social, economic, environmental and cultural well-being of the people of Wales and ensure that the decisions of today will benefit the future generations of Wales.

A cross party campaign has now been launched, led by Lord Bird, proposing a UK version of the Bill.  

Image credit: sharing thumbnail image by Cristofer Maximilian free licence from Unsplash 3.12.24

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