Decision details

The Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA) are offering grant funding to Bristol City Council, to support the delivery the needs of the Regional Digital Office through the utilisation of BCC expertise and capability (existing resource within the City Management and Response Service).
The MCA led Regional Digital Office was set up to achieve the shared regional Digital Infrastructure Strategic Objectives, set out in the West Of England Digital Plan and working with the Unitary Authorities. The scheme aims to deliver better connectivity by creating optimal conditions for digital infrastructure deployment and investment across our region. This will improve critical infrastructure and enable innovative service delivery transformation.
Through delivering better connectivity for residents and local businesses, this work will deliver the following outcomes (as per the West of England Digital Plan):
•Improved quality connectivity which will enable transformations in statutory service delivery.
•Improved quality of life through access to digital products and services addressing digital inclusion.
•Improved access to good quality jobs and training.
•More world-class businesses, inward investment, and higher growth so our region is an amazing place to live and work.
A resourced Regional Digital Office and prototype service has been set up, tailored to delivering regional connectivity improvement projects that, in the first instance, focus on ensuring the roll-out of digital infrastructure in the region is easier, cheaper, and faster for all involved. The Digital Office will operate as a shared service, providing flexibility and ensuring there is resource and materials to assist councils with mobile/broadband providers.

The MCA CLT, the Metro Mayor and UA CEOs have previously endorsed the recommendation to establish a regional coordination function (i.e. Digital Office) to enable us to jointly drive broadband improvements (CLT Nov 2022, Mayor, Nov 2022, CEOs Digital Plan Feb, then May 2023).
To be noted:
•There is support for regional coordination/collaboration to improve broadband. All consider this essential to improving digital inclusion.
•Available resource/capacity to support broadband roll-out is minimal. Coordination (e.g. via a centralised coordination body) would provide additionality to the Councils.
In March 2024, the MCA Committee approved a £2.519m Digital Office Pilot scheme and delegated the approval of the detailed scope of work and ongoing oversight to the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s Strategic Director of Economy and Skills in consultation with Unitary Authority Economy and Skills Directors.
Following this, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority’s Strategic Director of Economy

Option 1 - The Digital Office solution was developed in collaboration with council stakeholders and future service users. Following the approval of the Phase 1 scope of work, a working group was established and has been meeting regularly to discuss and finalise the details.
By detailed assessment of options (Appendix A) was undertaken, including do nothing. The Regional Digital Office was the agreed approach between the MCA and the unitary authorities.