Councils lack DSL options

Almost 60 percent of local authorities say lack of funds is the main barrier to them using broadband, according to a new report by public sector IT body Socitm. Some 34 percent named the absence of local service providers as the main problem.

This report follows the prime minister's pledge of £1bn to link health and education services via broadband, effectively using public money to extend the UK's broadband infrastructure.

Bob Griffith, national secretary of Socitm, said local government needed more funding for broadband growth. "We have to see whether the £1bn has already been allocated or not," he said. "In any case it is not enough as it has to be shared between 440 local authorities."

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