The Government has called on councils to help it ensure as many people as possible have access to quality internet as part of the country’s response to coronavirus.

Matt Warman, minister for digital infrastructure, wrote to local authorities offering advice on how they can support the rollout of high-speed broadband and 5G networks last month.

He explained this was particularly important in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, with many people relying on good connectivity to work from home or complete important paperwork.

Cllr Margaret McLennan, who is responsible for resources at Brent Council, noted that providing borough-wide digital infrastructure is part of its wider strategy over the next three years.

“As a council we keenly embrace the opportunities presented by digital innovation as part of our commitment to improve lives and deliver services more efficiently,” she said.

“To do this, we need to ensure that everyone in Brent has strong internet connectivity, which is why we’ve been working with suppliers to roll out high speed broadband on our estates and high streets to provide high speed broadband at affordable rates to residents, businesses and community groups.”

She added there has been a push for ‘digital inclusion’, which, through a resident support fund, provides internet to those who might previously have struggled to gain access to it.

Cllr Mark Hawthorne, the Local Government Association’s digital connectivity spokesman, said it is important for national government to recognise the role local authorities can play on subjects such as this.

“Councils are uniquely placed within their communities to identify the needs of residents and businesses, including their demand for faster and more reliable digital connectivity,” he said.

“As we look forward, councils are committed to working closely with the Government to help deliver on its nationwide gigabit-broadband and mobile coverage ambitions.”

As part of this guidance, the Government has also asked councils to support it in dispelling any myths around the dangers of 5G.

Mr Warman urged them to “quell quack theories” on the network, particularly those that link it to the spread of Covid-19.