“It was disappointing to see the collapse of the Phase 2 contract negotiations for the Connecting Devon & Somerset project on Friday. I was never privy to the finer detail of the contract but I understand that there was a significant gap between BT’s offer and the expectations of Devon and Somerset County Councils. In so far as ensuring value for money for their taxpayers should always be their top priority, I support them in taking the robust position that they have.”
“However, there is now a very worrying uncertainty around the future of the project and I fear that this will mean a delay for those who were likely to be connected under the Phase 2 contract. In the Wells Constituency, that would likely have included many of our most rural villages and hamlets. We must move forward quickly to ensure that a new tendering process brings a better offering than the one just rejected from BT and to make sure that any delay arising from the collapse of this deal will be kept to an absolute minimum.”
“I will be joining other Somerset and Devon MPs in pushing Government for a speedy renegotiation of the State Aid permissions and will be wanting to work with the county councils as they seek new bidders for this vital contract. Delivering superfast broadband remains my top priority as it will unlock the economic potential of our area. We must move forward at pace to find a solution that is better value for money and rolls out more quickly.”
