Responsibility for implementing the government’s Digital Britain report has been split between ministers in three different government departments, it emerged last night.

The report, published in June, opened the way for local press groups to join new regional TV news consortia funded by top-slicing the BBC licence fee, and also proposed a £6-a-year levy on phone bills to fund faster broadband.

Downing Street confirmed yesterday that the Treasury Minister Stephen Timms is to be tasked with implementing the report, following the departure from government of its author Lord Carter last month.

But in his new role Mr Timms will report not to Culture and Media Secretary Ben Bradshaw – a former BBC and regional press journalist – but to Business Secretary Lord Mandelson.

As well as gaining additional ministerial responsibilities at Lord Mandelson’s Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Mr Timms will also retain his role as financial secretary to the Treasury.

“Building a 21st century knowledge economy is at the heart of government’s vision. It’s vital for jobs and growth that Britain is able to maximise the benefits of the digital revolution,” he said.

“I look forward to driving this project forward in my joint role working in the Treasury and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.

“At the top of my in-tray will be plans to ensure faster broadband access for homes and businesses and combating digital piracy – as we move towards publication of the Digital Economy Bill.”

Downing Street said the creative industries minister Sion Simon will take the lead on aspects of Lord Carter’s plan relating to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

But it was unclear which areas of the report would remain with the DCMS, which has hitherto led on the Digital Britain initiative.

Mr Simon, a former national newspaper journalist, has personal experience of the power of the internet and the way it can lead to controversy.

Three years ago, he produced a spoof YouTube video mocking Tory leader David Cameron’s ‘WebCameron’ initiative which was widely criticised at Westminster.