Telecommunications Infrastructure (Relief from Non-Domestic Rates) Bill: Briefing for Lords Stages

The Telecommunications Infrastructure (Relief from Non-Domestic Rates) Bill 2017–19 is a government bill that seeks to implement 100 percent relief from non-domestic rates (business rates) for all new full-fibre infrastructure over the next five years. This policy was announced in the 2016 Autumn Statement, along with a number of other measures related to digital communications. The Bill had its second reading in the House of Commons on 10 July 2017 and completed its Commons stages on 5 September 2017. It received its first reading in the House of Lords on 6 September 2017 and the second reading debate is scheduled for 9 October 2017. The rate relief was initially due to be implemented through clause 8 of the Local Government Finance Bill 2016–17, but this Bill fell when Parliament was dissolved on 3 May 2017 for the general election.  The Bill applies to England and Wales only. As the National Assembly for Wales has responsibility for local government finance, the UK Government is seeking to obtain a legislative consent motion from the Welsh Assembly.  A legislative consent memorandum was laid before the Welsh Assembly on 25 July 2017 and is being considered by the Welsh Assembly Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee.  It will report to the Assembly on 12 October 2017.