(Having previously declared a prejudicial interest in respect of this matter, Councillor Kenny left the meeting whilst it was considered).

Further to minute (Cabinet – 18/3/10) when actions taken to progress the design and implementation of a Next Generation Access Network for Wirral, giving priority to the main business areas were approved, the Head of Housing and Regeneration reported upon progress to date and outlined the next stages of development.

He reported that with Cabinet approval in place, efforts had focused on consulting and preparing detailed evidence required for formal approval processes. Officers had been working with the consultants, Adit North, to develop a dedicated State Aid notification underpinned by a business model for EU Commission approval.  The business case modelling exercise was factored into the production of the Statement of Requirements (SOR) which defined the expected outcomes and provided a framework for tendering purposes. The tendering process which was now at an advanced stage would be undertaken via the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU) and would be designed procure the provision of broadband infrastructure and specialist operating and management services to run the network.

With the progress made to date, it was proposed to maintain this momentum and obtain State Aid approval from the EU at the earliest possible opportunity.  In parallel it was planned to proceed with the procurement of an Infrastructure Provider and a Network Operator. It was envisaged that the outcome of the tendering exercise would be the appointment of a key project partner to provide the physical infrastructure such as cabling and the procurement of an operating company.

The estimated total cost of the NGA project for Wirral was £35m.  The first phase, costing approximately £12m for the businesses areas, would be funded from the Working Neighbourhoods Fund and Council resources.

Resolved – That the Committee welcome and note the progress made to date on this project.