On Wednesday 23rd November, during the Autumn Statement, the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that the government will be investing over £1 billion in order to roll out full-fibre connections and 5G across the country. This investment will bring faster and more reliable broadband for homes and businesses across the UK, boost the next generation of mobile connectivity and keep the UK at the forefront of the development of digital communications.
The Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport will be the Cabinet Minister responsible for the implementation of this billion pound investment. In view of this, I recently met with Karen to discuss the implications of this investment for Northampton.
Northamptonshire County Council has set an ambitious target to see superfast broadband available countywide by the end of 2017. This target will no doubt be aided by the Government’s announcement during the Autumn Statement. Investment in digital infrastructure, such as broadband, will help boost the local economy in Northamptonshire, especially in this ever-globalising economy, in which superfast digital communications are crucial to achieving prosperity. Specifically announced was a new “100% business rates relief” for new full-fibre infrastructure for a 5 year period from 1 April 2017. This will help homes and businesses install superfast broadband.
As Deputy Leader of the House of Commons, it is part of my job to scrutinise all legislation passing through Parliament and I am always thinking about Northampton being positively affected by any changes made.