Electronic Communications Code
2021-07-01
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the financial effect of proposals to reform the electronic communications code on community organisations that host mobile telecoms infrastructure.
If he will make it his policy to conduct an impact assessment of the potential financial effect on community organisations of proposals to reform the electronic communications code.
The Government are currently considering the responses to the consultation on the electronic communications code, which closed in March, and we will carefully consider the impact of our proposals on all stakeholders, including community organisations.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment to conduct an impact assessment was not given
Under Consideration
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted that thousands of farmers, churches, and community groups have faced significant financial losses because of the 2017 ECC reform, with some experiencing rent reductions up to 90%. She requested a meeting to discuss this issue.
I thank the Minister for his answer. He will be aware that thousands of farmers, churches and community groups who host mobile telecoms infrastructure on their land have faced financial hardship because of the 2017 ECC reform, with some seeing enforced rent reductions of up to 90%, as has happened in my constituency. What measures is he planning to support those who face losing these critical sources of income? Will he kindly agree to meet me and representatives of these impacted groups as soon as possible?
I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss this. It is important to be clear that those 2017 reforms were intended to cut the amount paid by operators and put them on a similar footing to other utilities, and that supports the roll-out of connectivity that we all want to see. However, it is important that the negotiations that take place are fair commercial ones and that landowners ultimately receive a fair price. The reason we are consulting as we speak is to make sure that the system works effectively and that those fair prices are delivered.
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Assessment & feedback
No specific measures or timeline for support was provided
Fair Commercial Negotiations
Consulting
Response accuracy