West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has today slammed euro-bureaucrats blocking the delivery of local broadband upgrades. European “state aid” rules have been preventing Worcestershire County Council from moving forward to spend £3.3 million on rural broadband schemes. A Select Committee investigating this issue was today told that councils can now invite companies to tender for the work. Harriett commented: “I have been disappointed by the lack of progress that we have been able to make to help rural communities to improve their internet connections. “More than £10 million of taxpayers’ money is now available to make sure that our rural homes and businesses are properly connected and it’s time to make progress delivering this. “I was amazed that EU rules were blocking progress and I urged our local team to get on and start working towards fixing this important issue. “I hear that there may well be a solution in place and the Secretary of State will meet with EU officials later this week to confirm this. “I am increasingly concerned that while urban areas are being offered superfast and ultrafast broadband, there are still areas of Worcestershire connecting to the internet at dial-up modem speeds. “It is time to start finding solutions to get every home and business online and prove that we are well and truly open for business.”