Local Full Fibre Networks Challenge Fund Guidance
This document sets out the revised guidance and application process for the Local Full Fibre Networks Challenge Fund.
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Following a review of lessons learned and feedback from local bodies involved in the first round of funding we have revised the project selection approach for this wave of the Challenge Fund. This is intended to better reflect feedback from local bodies along with national and local objectives.
For this wave we will not require a fixed date for formal submissions and instead will be adopting an iterative approach to project selection. Local bodies with an interest in bidding for the Challenge Fund are invited to first submit an informal expression of interest to the programme. At this stage the programme will enter into a dialogue with them to assess their project and where appropriate help them shape their approach. A full proposal will only be required once the programme has indicated they are satisfied with the information provided about the local body’s proposed approach.
The fund has eight central themes against which it will consider projects for funding. The first theme under consideration, with an allocated budget of £15m, will be rapid mobilisation. Under this theme projects with a pre-existing procurement route that are able to begin mobilisation and implementation immediately will be considered for funding. Local bodies can notify their interest in rapid mobilisation projects by emailing the lffn@culture.gov.uk mailbox by 30th September 2018.
The other themes against which bids will be considered are multi-authority/public body, rural focus, devolved/regional corridor/growth hub, 5G or barrier busting, public sector productivity, market development, and innovation and learning. Local bodies interested in making proposals against these themes can begin to submit expressions of interest as they are ready, and there is currently no deadline attached to these themes.
Further announcements will be made in future about the timings and funding amounts associated with these themes.
This wave of the Challenge Fund builds on the findings from previous successful projects. The LFFN programme is looking for opportunities to help local bodies explore the potential to increase commercial deployment of fibre to the premise in their areas with our existing public sector anchor tenancy, public sector asset reuse and public sector building upgrades delivery methods. The Challenge Fund is also open to exploring new potential delivery methods to increase the number of unique learning opportunities that may lead to a further increase in the commercial deployment of fibre.
Any queries regarding the fund should be directed to LFFN@culture.gov.uk.
Updates to this page
Last updated 29 August 2018 + show all updates
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Attached new guidance document and explained the new process for applying to the fund.
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First published.