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BUDGET 2025

The final 15%: Why reaching every home with gigabit broadband matters

Gráinne Gilmore says the chancellor’s announcement of historic fiscal devolution – including £13bn of integrated settlements - gives local leaders unprecedented flexibility to align funding with growth priorities, a key opportunity to embed digital infrastructure into local growth strategies.

© Chor Muang / Shutterstock

The UK Government has quietly pushed back its target for nationwide gigabit-capable broadband coverage from 2030 to 2032. While some progress has been made – 86% of homes now have gigabit-capable broadband – this two-year delay signals a deeper challenge in reaching the remaining homes, many in harder-to-reach areas.

Digital connectivity is no longer a luxury; it is necessary infrastructure. From remote work and education to health and AI-driven services, the demand for fast, reliable internet is surging. Leaving anyone behind without access to good connections risks deepening the digital divide and leaving regions at a disadvantage – missing out on inward investment, innovation and productivity gains.

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