Digital connectivity now underpins nearly all areas of our economy and plays a crucial role in our culture and society.

At tomorrow's county council meeting, Cllr Lesley Williams, leader of the Labour group at Gloucestershire County Council, will bring forward a motion highlighting the importance of broadband connectivity in today's world. If passed, it would see the council work with planning authorities to ensure that all new housing and industrial developments in the county have full fibre connectivity as standard.

Cllr Lesley Williams (pictured) said: "The internet has revolutionised how we live our lives. Access to the internet is increasingly essential as all aspects of daily life, such as banking and healthcare, move online. I feel passionately about the fact that internet connectivity is crucial to minimising rural isolation and ensuring that people can keep in touch with members of their family, wherever they are in the world.

"In 2018, broadband is as crucial to people's lives as utilities like water and electricity, and I believe that all new builds should be fitted with internet access as they would be with other essentials. All areas of Gloucestershire must be fully connected in order for our county to realise its full potential with regard to economic growth. For too long, areas such as the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds have been left behind in this sense."