WHILE most properties in Cumbria will benefit from the £5billion government project to provide access to gigabit-enabled broadband, some will lose out. 

The House of Commons heard in a debate on Wednesday, September 6 that in the procurement area in Cumbria, around 60,800 properties are in need of connection to the super-fast broadband. Roughly 59,000 are estimated to be in the scope of the procurement contract, meaning 97 per cent will be connected. 

Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron admitted that this figure is 'not to be sniffed at.' However, he said: "That leaves 1,800 properties in the procurement area that Project Gigabit recognises as needing connection, but for which no solution currently exists."

He argued that Broadband for the Rural North (B4RN) should have more access to the voucher scheme which gives money to local businesses and homes to install super-fast broadband. 

He said that this would help connect the communities currently not covered.

Sir John Whittingdale, the minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure said: "We are very much aware of the situation regarding the B4RN. An agreement was never reached with B4RN over its proposals."

Mr Whittingdale said Mr Farron could talk with the department about households not connected to the project.