A HAMPSHIRE county councillor has urged the local authority to work with its partners to ensure all homes and businesses in Basingstoke have access to superfast broadband.

North West Basingstoke councillor, Stephen Reid, has seconded a motion which will be submitted by Cllr Mel Kendal to the full county council meeting on Thursday.

The motion calls for continued investment by the county council for “retro-fit” superfast broadband to homes and businesses which currently do not have the service across Hampshire.

In addition, the two councillors are calling on the county council to work with district and borough councillors, developers and broadband suppliers to make a requirement for superfast broadband to be installed in every new home built across the county.

Cllr Reid said: “The county council is spending millions of pounds to get a retro-fit of superfast broadband into existing properties. At the same time, developers are building thousands of brand new homes which do not have the capability. As we take two steps forward, the new homes take us one step back. That's unacceptable.

“In the 21st century people regard communications capabilities as part of the essential infrastructure. Families want more than one person to be able to access the internet at the same time.

"They want to download entertainment. They want to be able to work from home. It’s part of modern life, so it's ridiculous that homes are being built and sold with only the most basic internet access.

“I believe it must be cheaper in the long run to fit the superfast broadband capability from day one, rather than having to go back and install it later. I therefore want Hampshire County Council, in conjunction with the boroughs and districts, to work to ensure that superfast broadband is made a stipulation when planning permissions are granted.

“My division has a large amount of new build and I want future residents to have access to this essential part of modern life.”