Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for Central Scotland, Graham Simpson, has slammed the SNP Government for yet again letting down rural communities when it comes to broadband connectivity.
Mr Simpson’s criticism comes after Scottish Conservative MSP Alexander Burnett uncovered new figures showing a shockingly low uptake of a broadband voucher scheme.
The SNP had announced the R100 interim vouchers, worth up to £400, after failing to deliver their flagship broadband programme for all by the end of last year.
However, the figures show that only a tiny percentage of those eligible for the vouchers in Lanarkshire have applied for them.
In North Lanarkshire only 8 interim vouchers were delivered despite 2,573 premises being eligible – which is just a 0.38% uptake.
For South Lanarkshire, 42 were used out of a total 5,147 eligible premises – which is an uptake of 0.82%.
Mr Simpson says the SNP Government have completely failed to promote the scheme, which is set to end on March 31.
He added that the scheme should now be extended given that connectivity is so important to the recovery from the pandemic for rural residents in Lanarkshire.
Central Scotland MSP , Graham Simpson said: “The SNP talked up their flagship R100 superfast broadband programme, but they have completely failed to deliver for Lanarkshire.
“Now they have failed to promote this alternative voucher scheme to those who need it most in across the region.
“It is now set to end even though only a tiny amount of those eligible have benefitted.
“Our rural and remote communities are being short-changed and left behind by this SNP-Green Government.
“Good connectivity is absolutely vital for the recovery from the pandemic but the SNP have failed to connect far too many local residents.
“This key scheme must now be extended and more heavily promoted by the SNP-Green Government.”
