WARRINGTON'S Labour group has hit out at the Government, criticising the rollout of broadband across the country, and Warrington.

According to Ofcom, five per cent of the population does not have access to broadband, despite broadband being labelled 'a necessity, not a utility' by some politicians.

After an initial calculation error, Warrington's Labour group has claimed that nearly 5,000 households across the town are struggling without access to high-quality internet.

Warrington Guardian: Labour councillor Sarah Hall has criticised the rollout of broadband in WarringtonLabour councillor Sarah Hall has criticised the rollout of broadband in Warrington (Image: Cllr Sarah Hall)

This is the equivalent of roughly 10,000 people.

In a press release sent to the Warrington Guardian, the Labour group in Warrington has lashed out at the Government, claiming: "The rollout of next-generation gigabit internet services has been slow and pushed back regularly.

"The Public Accounts Committee, in a report last year, highlighted how DCMS - the government department responsible for broadband - 'has made little tangible progress in delivering internet connectivity beyond that achieved by the private sector'."

Warrington's Labour group added: "Concerns were raised in early January regarding donations made by IX Wireless to Conservative MPs in the north west, including Andy Carter who has benefitted from £4,550.

"IX Wireless is a telecoms provider delivering gigabit infrastructure in the north west.

"Andy Carter MP has also received further donations of £7,000 from a company, Foxglove Solutions LTD."

This financial information is correct and was verified by the Warrington Guardian at the time of publication.

Warrington Guardian: Warrington Labour has hit out at the Government's handling of broadband rolloutWarrington Labour has hit out at the Government's handling of broadband rollout (Image: Sarah Hall)

Speaking to the Warrington Guardian at the time, Mr Carter said: "I declare all donations and benefits where there is a monetary value, including when I attend events in my capacity as the MP for Warrington South and in my role as the chair of numerous Parliamentary groups. 

"Financial support given by businesses have all been made directly to and declared by the Conservative Party however I have also made declarations where they are to support my political activities in the constituency."

The full story on Warrington's MPs' financial interests - including the thousands of pounds declared by Labour MP Charlotte Nichols - can be found here.

Sarah Hall is Warrington Borough Council's cabinet member for education, and is the Labour Party's candidate for Warrington South at the next general election - she said: "Broadband has become an essential utility for everyday life and it isn’t a luxury. 

“Sadly, due to the government loosening the rules, telecoms giants are in for a windfall from expected increases to bills this April. 

“We know many hard-working families and businesses are already struggling to pay their bills."

Cllr Hall added: “This is just another unfair pressure on the purse. Labour would reverse the Tories' mistake and stop the telecoms companies charging over the odds. 

“What is worrying is how closely connected the telecoms industry appears to be with Tory MPs across our region."

The prospective general election candidate questioned: "You have to ask yourself, why are these companies donating thousands of pounds to Tory MPs?"

Want the pick of the Warrington Guardian news delivered to your inbox every morning? Click here to sign up